Matrix - alternative protocol?

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DBShowpigs
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Matrix - alternative protocol?

Post by DBShowpigs » Thu Feb 02, 2017 12:04 pm

I've used matrix before on several groups of gilts and had very good success with it. Just wondering about using it in a slightly different manner. If you fed it for 7 days rather than 14, could you synch a group of gilts over a 10-14 day period (rather than the typical 4-7 day period with the 14 day protocol)?

I'd like to farrow over a 2 week window. Therefore, I don't want to breed for a full 3 weeks, but I'd like to reduce my cost and labor by not feeding matrix for a full 14 days. Make sense? Anyone tried this or know if it would work?

I thought I read something about cystic ovaries if matrix is used incorrectly too.

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HogDoc
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Re: Matrix - alternative protocol?

Post by HogDoc » Thu Feb 02, 2017 12:26 pm

Cystic ovaries are a problem with over using and / or using matrix for an extended period of time.

Assuming your group of gilts is cycling randomly a percentage between 30 and 50% will be far enough along in the cycle to have the 7 days of Matrix extend it and they would synchronize just like you gave them a full 14 days of matrix. The balance should cycle over the next 10 days or so. Unfortunately that puts you closer to a three week breeding window than a two week breeding window.

The Ceva product is a little cheaper and works just like Matrix.
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DBShowpigs
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Re: Matrix - alternative protocol?

Post by DBShowpigs » Thu Feb 02, 2017 12:51 pm

Thanks for the response. I did a homework assignment at ISU on matrix and after looking at that, I was thinking it would work like that. Just wanted some other input before trying it. I suppose you could even go to 9 or 10 days of matrix to tighten the window a little more. Thanks again.

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