Performance of Novum

When it comes to the performance of using Novum as a supplement in a diluent as an alternative to the use of GnRH hormone injections, the primary focus is on pregnancy rate and litter size. Since the performance depends on many variables, including farm management, parent lines, and season, it is necessary to conduct extensive experiments under varying conditions.

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The first experiments were conducted during and after the summer of 2023 using small groups of animals. Later that year, follow-up experiments were also carried out to optimize the formula of Novum. Large-scale experiments, in which many hundreds of female animals were inseminated, did not begin until 2024.

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In 2024, collaboration began with various parties in different countries, including the Netherlands, France, Hungary, and Italy. Generally, we can say that the application of Novum, under the right conditions, results in a pregnancy rate in the high 80s and sometimes nearly 90%. The litter size then ranges between 10 and 12. These results are nearly equal to, and sometimes even better than, those achieved with the injection of the GnRH hormone.

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In addition to performance, research was also conducted on the shelf life of Novum. Based on theoretical grounds, a shelf life of at least 2 years is expected when Novum is stored at -20 degrees Celsius. However, transport—albeit refrigerated—must also be considered. Experiments have shown that Novum remains effective for at least 9 months while maintaining good performance.

Experiments on performance and shelf life under various conditions will continue in order to gather as much knowledge as possible on these subjects.