The average litter size in sows without cysts was 10.5, while in sows with ovarian cysts
it was 9.8 (P > 0.05). Although there was no statistical difference between both groups
of sows, we should not rule out the hypothesis that the potential litter size was affected
due to the small number of sows with cysts that actually farrowed. According to Miller
(1984) ovulation cannot occur from cystic follicles. Cysts present before conception may
not interfere with ovulation from other follicles, but they can decrease the number of normal
viable eggs. This situation would lead to a reduction in potential litter size. By analyzing
the estimated litter size in 100 bred sows, the damage caused by the presence of ovarian
cysts becomes evident. The estimated number of piglets produced by 100 inseminated sows
that had ovarian cysts was 512, while the others produced 941 piglets.