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Effect of selection for leanness on overall reproductive performance in Large White sows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. B. Gaughan ,
R. D. A. Cameron ,
G. McL. Dryden  and
M. J. Josey
J. B. Gaughan
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Production, University of Queensland Gatton, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
R. D. A. Cameron
Affiliation:
Department of Farm Animal Medicine and Production, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
G. McL. Dryden
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Production, University of Queensland Gatton, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
M. J. Josey
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Production, University of Queensland Gatton, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
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Abstract

Reproductive records from 1072 Large White sows (3589 litters) were used to examine the effect ofbackfat depth (Bd) and live weight (Lw) at selection on first litter and lifetime reproductive performance. The variables investigated included mating age, total piglets born, total born alive, piglet birth weight, number weaned, piglet weaning weight, weaning to remating period and number of litters produced. Using backfat depth, sows were categorized into three groups: L, 9 to 13 mm; M, 14 to 16 mm; and F, ≥17 mm. Bd had no significant effect (P > 0·05) on the measured traits for the sows grouped by fat at first parity. When lifetime reproductive data were analysed, the L group had fewer litters (P < 0·05), and weaned fewer pigs (P < 0·01) than either the M or F group. The birth weight for piglets from L sows were significantly higher (P < 0·05) than for piglets from the other groups. The data suggest that the reproductive performance of L sows is not as good as that of M or F sows.

Keywords

backfatreproductive performancesows
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Science , Volume 61 , Issue 3 , December 1995 , pp. 561 - 564
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1995

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