Chapter 1 - Factors affecting the reproductive efficiency of pigs: Glen W. Almond and Emily Mahan-Riggs, North Carolina State University, USA; 1 Introduction 2 Gilt development, reproductive efficiency and litter size 3 Weaning to oestrus interval 4 Managing reproductive functions and fertilization 5 The impact of dry sow housing systems 6 Seasonal infertility in sow 7 Stockmanship and managing disease 8 Conclusions 9 Where to look for further information 10 References Chapter taken from: Wiseman, J. (ed.), Achieving sustainable production of pig meat - Volume 2: Animal breeding and nutrition, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2017, (ISBN 978 1 78676 092 0) Chapter 2 - Factors affecting the reproductive efficiency of boars: M. L. W. J. Broekhuijse, Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.

V., The Netherlands; 1 Introduction 2 Monitoring pig fertility 3 Considerations when producing AI doses 4 Tools for AI laboratories: semen quality assessment 5 Conclusion 6 References Chapter taken from: Wiseman, J. (ed.), Achieving sustainable production of pig meat - Volume 2: Animal breeding and nutrition, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2017, (ISBN 978 1 78676 092 0) Chapter 3 - Advances in understanding the genetics of sow prolificacy: reproductive performance, trade-offs and management solutions: Glen W. Almond, North Carolina State University, USA; and Diego F. Leal, University of São Paulo, Brazil; 1 Introduction 2 Breeding for improved conception rate 3 Breeding for improved litter size 4 Selecting sows for uterine capacity 5 Breeding for improved maternal behavior 6 Concluding remarks and future trends 7 Where to look for more information 8 References Chapter taken from: Ross, J. (ed.), Advances in pig breeding and reproduction, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2025, (ISBN 978 1 80146 535 9) Chapter 4 - Understanding ovarian function in pigs: María Estefanía González-Alvarez, Zöe E.

Kiefer, Jamie M. Studer, Jason W. Ross and Aileen F. Keating, Iowa State University, USA; 1 Introduction 2 The ovary: structure and function 3 Follicle development: folliculogenesis 4 The corpus luteum 5 Ovarian steroidogenesis and steroid hormone changes during late gestation 6 The hypothalamicpituitarygonadal axis 7 The estrous cycle in swine 8 Puberty and gilt development 9 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: pesticide residues 10 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: mycotoxins 11 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: other endocrine-disrupting chemicals 12 Environmental factors impairing swine reproduction: heat stress 13 Conclusion 14 References Chapter taken from: Ross, J. (ed.), Advances in pig breeding and reproduction, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2025, (ISBN 978 1 80146 535 9).