The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone-oxytocin in inducing farrowing in swine. Specifically, it aimed to evaluate the effects of these drugs on birth weight of piglets, farrowing interval, time of placental expulsion, duration of farrowing, interval between weaning and postweaning estrus, ratio of stillbirth, and health status of the dam and piglets.

Twelve sows were randomly assigned to two treatments. Six sows were treated with dexamethasone-oxytocin combination and six were untreated. The t-test was used to detect any differences between treatment means in terms of the different parameters evaluated.

Results reveal that dexamethasone-oxytocin administration significantly shortened the time and duration of farrowing and the interval between piglets farrowed. On the other hand, the treatments did not significantly affect the birth weight of piglets, time of placental expulsion, interval between weaning and post weaning estrus, ratio of stillbirth and health status of both the dam and the piglets.

Results suggest that the administration of dexamethasone-oxytocin combination is effective in inducing parturition in swine. Its effect on shortening the duration and interval of farrowing could be tapped by raisers as an effective management measure in terms of timely inducing parturition to lessen stress on the part of the dam and piglets.

Thesis (Master of Science - Animal Science)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references