Few studies evaluating protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in gilts have been performed .
The use of a single hormone for FTAI protocols in pubertal gilts can be difficult because they are in different phases of the oestrous cycle. This is in contrast to scenario of FTAI in weaned sows, for which several hormonal protocols to induce follicle growth and ovulation are available. Protocols proposed for FTAI in gilts involve the use of
progesterone (P4) analogue, followed or not by the use of
eCG, to stimulate follicle growth, and an ovulation
inductor such as GnRH, hCG or porcine luteinizing
hormone – pLH (Degenstein et al. 2008; Martinat-Botte
et al. 2010). According to Degenstein et al. (2008), the
use of pLH is more efficient than hCG to induce
ovulation after using P4 analogue and eCG in pubertal
gilts. Embryo survival has not been impaired in gilts