Relationships among specific reasons for culling, reproductive data, and gross morphology of the genital tracts in gilts culled due to reproductive failure in Thailand

The present study aims to investigate genital organs of replacement gilts culled due to reproductive failure, and the relationship between gross morphological findings and historical reproductive data. The study was conducted from July 2005 to September 2006 and included a random sample of 200 genital organs from six swine herds in Thailand. Historical data and the reasons for culling were analyzed. Gross morphological examinations focused on the normality and abnormalities of the ovaries, as well as the remainder of the reproductive tract. Descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were conducted for all reproductive parameters. On average, the gilts were culled at 321.2 ± 51.1 d of age, at a body weight of 145.3 ± 24.2 kg. Gilts expressed first estrus at 253.2 ± 32.7 d and were artificially inseminated for the first time at 268.2 ± 30.8 d of age. The interval from entry to culling averaged 96.9 ± 53.7 d. Reasons for culling included anestrus (44.0%), vaginal discharge (20.5%), repeat breeding (15.5%), not being pregnant (10.0%), and miscellaneous causes (10.0%). Overall, 50.5% of gilts had normal genital organs, whereas 49.5% had at least one abnormality. Abnormalities of the ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix and vagina–vestibule were found in 15.5%, 14.0%, 22.0%, 16.2%, and 17.6% of the gilts, respectively. The most common post-mortem abnormalities included endometritis (14.0%), cystic ovaries (10.5%) and congenital abnormalities of the reproductive tract (8.0%). Of the gilts culled due to anestrus, 52.2% were pre-pubertal. Most of the gilts culled due to vaginal discharge or repeat breeding had been cycling (90.2% and 96.8%, respectively).