Using genetic selection to reduce uterine prolapse in sows

Uterine prolapse is a serious issue of concern to swine producers. A 2018 Iowa State University study involving 400,000 commercials sows found that vaginal or uterine prolapse accounted for 15% of all sow mortalities during the study period, and earlier research found that all pelvic organ prolapses cost producers roughly $5,220 per 1,000 sows per year.

What hasn’t been as well understood until more recent research is the various factors influencing the incidence of uterine prolapse in the sow herd.

In this episode we talk with Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, a geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, about those factors and specifically about recent research into the role genetics play in the incidence of uterine prolapse.

This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, the second largest swine genetics company in the world. Topigs Norsvin’s unique breeding program is designed to accelerate genetic progress at the customer level by creating innovative products and solutions that benefit the entire pork production chain. To get more information, visit TopigsNorsvin.us. For any questions or additional information about the work Topigs Norsvin has done to implement selection against uterine prolapse, email [email protected].