Uterine Characteristics of Prepubertal Gilts at Fixed Body Weight

Reproduction is one of the most important factors affecting the efficiency of animal production. Within the scope of uterine capacity and other morphometric parameters, the objective of this study was to evaluate the size variability of uterus dissected from prepubertal gilts. The research was conducted on 100 PLW gilts and 100 PL gilts at a pig testing station. After slaughter, the reproductive tract was dissected, and each element was measured and weighed. The obtained results were combined and analyzed in three groups differentiated by uterine capacity: I, II and III. Group I consisted of gilts with a uterine capacity below 115 cm³ (n=69); group II comprised gilts with a uterine capacity between 115 and 175 cm³ (n=85); uterine capacity in group III was above 175 cm³ (n=46). Ontogenesis of the reproductive tract showed great variability with respect to the uterine capacity of gilts of both breeds. Uterine weight with and without ligament was different between the analyzed groups of PLW gilts (P<0.01), and also between the groups of PL gilts (P<0.01; P<0.05). The uterine horns of the PLW gilts in group I were slightly longer than in the PL gilts (90.76 cm vs. 84.20 cm; P<0.05). A slightly higher variability of uterine capacity was observed with respect to the PLW gilts (80.92 cm³ to 243.13 cm³), as compared with the PL gilts (92.61 cm³ to 235.23 cm³). The determined uterine capacity was significantly correlated with all parameters of uterine size (P<0.01), apart from the length of the uterus and cervix in PLW gilts. The proportion between the uterine weight and the length of its horns, which characterizes the thickness of uterine walls, was significantly correlated with the length of uterine horns only in PL gilts (r=0.382**). This study may be used to forecast the potential fertility of related females (littermate gilts and their daughters); it may also be used in sow selection for litter size.