2Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781 022.
2Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-22.
3AICRP on pig Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, Guwahati-22.
Eight female piglets from each of three farrowed crossbred (75% Hampshire x 25% Local) gilts grouped as A, B and C were weaned at 28, 42 and 56 days respectively. Piglets of each weaned groups were divided into two sub-groups – ‘a’ and ‘b’ consisting of 4 piglets in each. Piglets of sub-groups – ‘a’ were supplemented with strategic mineral mixture while the piglets of sub-group ‘b’ were offered commercial mineral mixture. There was significant (P < 0.01) rise of serum oestradiol-17β at the pubertal oestrus compared to the levels before puberty in gilts. Oestradiol concentration did not differ significantly among piglets weaned at different days of age and between piglets supplemented with strategic and commercial mineral mixture. Serum progesterone was lowest during oestrus and highest on day 10 of the oestrus cycle in all the groups. Progesterone concentration in the piglets weaned at different days of age did not differ significantly. However, the level was found significantly (P < 0.05) high in piglets supplemented with strategic mixture over the piglets supplemented with commercial mineral mixture.
Mineral supplementation, Oestradiol-17β, Pig, Puberty, Progesterone, Weaning
