ABSTRACT

 This project is meant to determine when estrous will occur following farrowing and weaning in sows. Sixteen mature large white sows were mi mu ly chosen randomly from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Livestock Teaching and Research farm for the experiment. The animals were divided into two groups which comprise A and B. Group A consists of eight sows at later stage of pregnancy (post parluin sows) while group B consists of eight non pregnant sows. Eventually only four sows at later stage of pregnancy were able to falTow at same and preferable period; as such only four post partum and four non pregnant sows were used for analysis. The parameters measured wet-c body weight, length bf manuriary gland, abdominal diameter, length of teat and diameter of teal. Graphical presentatiolis were used for depicting the result. The result showed that body weight aiid teat diameter of post partumn sows with percentage reduction of about 45.83% and 40% respectively are highly significant at weeks eleven and twelve when estrous occurred whereas the teat length, abdominal diameter and mammary gland length with !)cicentage reductions of 2 1 .50%, 16.50%, and 11 •5% respectively were less significant. However, the appearance of estrous was prolonged for about 42 — 49 days after weaning. This may probably be due to environmental stresses such as climate amid excessive handling during the premating period.