Gilts survive better than barrows, according to research by Adam Moeser, a professor at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Much of that traces to early gut development and stresses at weaning that result in persistent leaky gut, chronic low-grade inflammation and altered enteric nervous system function, which increases disease risk, he found.
Females exhibit a stronger immune response but are more prone to chronic inflammatory disorders. He said research has shown that females typically have higher survivability rates than males, with males dying at a disproportionately higher rate from infection compared with females. That’s likely due to a more robust immune response in female pigs.
A weakness for gilts because when there are chronic and unrelenting stressors, female pigs are more prone to chronic pain and inflammation disorders.
“That may give them a trade-off for survivability versus chronic disease,” Moeser said.
A conservative estimate suggests there’s a two to four per cent higher mortality rate in castrated males. That puts a big dent in potential profits.
For decades, Dr. James Squires of the University of Guelph has been researching boar taint which results in an objectionable odour when boar pork is cooked. If ie succeeds, castration would no longer be necessary.
Moeser said “If we can understand the biology, what’s really different between a male and a female, maybe we can come up with some new interventions, or targeted strategies, or sex-specific strategies, that can put a dent in this health disparity.”
