**9. Conclusions**

*Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine*

called BOARBETTER® (BB).

animal health product on the market.

**8. Future research needs on farms**

the full effect in behavior and reproduction.

*7.2.2 Gilts*

**Table 5.**

*parities 1–3 on 12 farms.*

behavior. Furthermore, data we collected recently showed that most sows identified in estrus by a boar, also express estrus behavior to the three-molecule pheromone

*Results from McGlone et al. showing that BOARBETTER® caused an increase in pigs born and born alive in* 

**Parities Total born/litter Born alive/litter** 1–3 0.88\* 0.73\* 4–6 −0.10 −0.23 Overall 0.40\* 0.22\*

*Difference in measures. LSMEANS within a row that differ (P < 0.01) have an \*.*

Boar Better (BB) was formulated to include all three molecules in an analog to the natural pheromone. When BB was applied to 12 USA farms in different USA states on nearly 4000 sows, it was discovered that BB increased Farrowing Rate, and litter size born (total or alive). Together, the increase per batch of pigs was significant—over 8% more pigs born per batch. The effect on early parities (1–3) was greater than for older sows that may have maximized their uterine capacity (**Table 5**). Note that while the overall increase in total pig born per litter was 0.40 more pigs with BB, in parities 1–3, the increase was 0.88 pigs/litter due to BB. This is a remarkable improvement in reproduction that cannot be achieved by any common

While we believe and hope that BB is also the priming pheromone that acceler-

This area of research is ripe for new discoveries. We know that the pig has a highly developed sense of smell. And we know that pheromones are a major player in the modulation of sexual and other behaviors. The sow releasing pheromone has been discovered and it contains three boar-unique molecules. The primer pheromone that brings gilts into heat has not been identified. It seems likely that the priming pheromone is the same set of molecules that comprise the releasing pheromone. But this must be confirmed through experimentation and practical

We also demonstrate that the novel boar pheromone that was recently discovered induces both sexual behavior in estrus sows and it increases the change of reproductive success in sows. This pheromone is the only known molecule to cause

We do not know anything about three olfactory organs that are described in mice, but not yet described in the pig (SO, GG, Trigeminal nerve). Locating these in the pig and documenting how they modulate behavior will be important in the

ated gilt puberty, we do not have solid data to show that this is the case. These studies are underway now. We know cycling gilts can be bred with BB because it is a powerful releasing pheromone. Still, because the live boar can stimulate the onset of

puberty, it is likely that BB is also the priming pheromone.

**52**

future.

applications.

This chapter was written to first give the reader a background on boar and sow reproduction, olfaction and pheromones. If one wants to delve deeper in this subject, understanding the biology of the pig is helpful.

Measures of reproductive success on commercial farms show that swine reproduction can be improved on commercial farms by use of a synthetic analog of the natural boar pheromone. Breeding rates should be more successful with the full understanding of the sow's behavior before, during and after her estrous cycle both in housing facilities and free roaming herds. As well as, the different stages of estrous to properly recognize the different measurements for signs of a sow in estrus. The anatomy of the animal also plays a critical role for the pheromones to initiate her "standing reflex" through the different olfactory organs, which help determine if she is in estrus or not. The key point of this is remembering to look for the signs that are visible to show that the sow may be in heat; unreliable indicators are pricked ears, low, deep grunts, vulva temperature and color. The most important sign of estrus is when the sow shows, the standing reflex or locked up behavior. Locked up is the only behavior that indicates estrus in all sows (except those anestrus). Ultimately, the ability to properly detect sows in heat with or without a boar will save time, labor and money. With the assistance of the product BB (which contains three molecules: Androstenone, Androstanol, and Quinoline), stockpeople may be able to attain improved reproductive performance.
