Effect of split weaning on follicle development and oocyte quality in multiparous sows.

Increasing piglet weaning age while maintaining the reproductive efficiency of the breeding herd depends on being able to stimulate sows to ovulate during lactation without reducing subsequent pregnancy rates and litter sizes. Embryo survival is affected by the quality of the oocytes shed at ovulation, and oocyte quality is profoundly impacted by the follicular environment in which the oocyte matures. This study determined the effect of reducing suckled litter size from 11 to 7 piglets on day 18 of lactation on the ovarian follicular environment and oocyte developmental competence at day 21 of lactation.