Bioscientifica Proceedings

Summary. Comparison of the timing of pig preimplantation development, alterations’ in the ultrastructure of embryonic germ layers, and cytological changes of the uterine epithelial cells leads to the supposition that a close relationship exists between embryonic and uterine development during early pregnancy. The results of in-vitro studies of embryonic development and of experiments concerning asynchrony between embryos and uterine environment conf...

The pig industry is confronted with substantial losses due to piglet mortality. With 3-8% stillbirths and generally > 10% preweaning mortality, approximately one fifth of al I fetuses formed fully at the end of gestation die before weaning. Most of these losses occur in the perinatal period. Overall prenatal development (birth weight) and specific prenatal developmental and maturational processes in late gestation are predisposing factors for perinatal losses. Birth weight ...