Induction of Parturition in Sows with a Prostaglandin 2α-Analog

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Abstract
Four experiments were conducted to investigate the suitability of a prostaglandin F2α -analog (Prostalene, Syntex) to induce parturition in sows. In Experiment 1, five groups of four to five sows each were treated with 0, .55, 1.67, 5.0 and 15.0 mg of “Prostalene,” respectively, on day 110 of pregnancy. Results indicated that the dose effective in inducing normal parturition within 24 ± 4 hr was 5 mg or less. Piglet mortality was slightly, but nonsignificantly, increased. Thus, treatment was on day 111 during subsequent experiments. In Experiment 2, four groups of five sows each were treated with 2, 3, 4 or 5 mg Prostalene, respectively. At doses of 2 or 3 mg, time of onset of parturition was delayed and more variable than with 4 or 5 milligrams. Experiment 3 was conducted under field conditions to compare effectiveness of 4 and 5 mg Prostalene inducing parturition in two groups of 20 sows each. Sows in each group responded essentially the same. No problems with parturition or increased piglet mortality were encountered. Experiment 4 was designed to monitor hormone changes following treatment with 5 mg Prostalene. Blood samples were taken at 3-hr intervals and plasma concentrations of progesterone and total unconjugated estrogens were measured by radioimmunoassay. Progesterone decreased to minimum levels of 4 ng/ml within 12 hours. Estrogen concentrations, however remained essentially unchanged in both treatment and control groups.

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