Reproduction success begins with selection

Overview

When planning matings within your colony, consider the following for optimal reproductive success:

• Use males with excellent semen (use a theriogenologist to assess).
• Use broods with normal estrus (verify progesterone rise indicating ovulation during estrus).
• Avoid inbreeding depression (the first indicator of this is poor fertility!). Inbreeding depression is the reduced survival and fertility of offspring of related individuals. 
• Have a young colony (fertility decreases with age):
  • Broods ideally age 2-5
  • Studs should be bred to their target number of litters, and then be replaced by the next generation,

Helpful links

• Learn more about genetic selection and how to work towards your breeding program goals.
• Learn about Estimated Breeding Values and how they can help your breeding selections.
• Learn about Effective Population size and why it’s important.
• Review the tools that can help you manage a breeding program successfully.