Efecto de la época del año y del ciclo lunar sobre variables reproductivas en porcinos

Abstract

In this retrospective study (2019-2020), the effect of season and lunar cycle on the reproductive and productive performance of a commercial swine farm in Zulia state, Venezuela (n=12720) was evaluated. According to the percentage of moonlight, the lunar cycle was divided into 8 phases of approximately 3.7 days each. According to the monthly relative humidity, two seasons were established: season 1 (dry) from December to May and season 2 (humid) from June to November. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance using the general linear model. The calving-conception interval was shorter in sows born during the dry season, when the number of services per conception was slightly greater. Weaning weight and litter weight were significantly greater in the humid season. There was no effect of season on calving-conception interval, number of piglets born, number of piglets dead, number and percentage of piglets weaned. During the crescent phase of the lunar cycle, there was a shorter calving-conception interval, a greater number of weaned piglets and piglets born. During phases 7 and 8 of the lunar cyle, the calving-conception interval was lower. During phases 5 to 8, the number of piglets and weaning weights were greater. There was no effect of the lunar cycle on number of services per conception and percentage of dead piglets.