CHAPTER VI 



STERILITY 



Sterility, impotency or barrenness is inability of an animal to re- 

 produce its kind. Sterility occurs in both sex. 



OCCURRENCE 



Sterility is relatively common in sows, particularly in animals tliat 

 have aborted. It is not uncommon to find from one to six or eight 

 sterile sows on the ordinary farm in the corn belt. This condition is 

 not so common in boars, although an occasional case is observed. 



CAUSE AND SYMPTOMS 



Sterility in boars is usually the result of the absence of sperm cells. 

 This condition is of most common occurrence in aged boars, or those 

 that have been in excessive service. An occasional case of sterility 

 occurs in either the male or female as a result of lack of development 

 or malformation of the generative organs. 



Sterility in sows may be due to extensive accumulation of fat, a 

 result of overfeeding. The most common type of sterility in sows 

 occurs particularly in those individuals that have aborted and suf- 

 fered from retained fetal membranes. Some sterile sows in which 

 sterility is secondary to metritis may come in heat, some regularly, 

 others at irregular periods, and an occasional animal is observed that 

 is almost, if not, constantly, in heat. 



TREATMENT 



The correction of sterility in sows is rather difficult, as this con- 

 dition, as before stated, is usually secondary to metritis and abortion. 

 The first principle, therefore, in successful breeding of swine is the 

 prevention of abortion and metritis. The curative treatment of 

 sterile sows is possible, at least in some instances. If sterility is 

 caused from metritis it should be overcome by uterine irrigation and 

 the use of quinin bisulphate, after which some of the apparently 

 sterile sows will conceive. It is also advisable in those cases that do 

 not come in heat to regulate the diet and administer yohimbin. 



