Within-litter variation in the performance of piglets to three weeks of age

1976 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. H. Hemsworth ◽  
C. G. Winfield ◽  
P. D. Mullaney
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Birth Order ◽  
Milk Intake ◽  
Individual Behaviour ◽  
The Individual

SUMMARYIn a series of observations the association between within-litter variation in growth performance of piglets to 3 weeks of age and other parameters was examined in 28 litters. Growth rate was correlated significantly with birth weight and milk intake of the piglet. Birth order and location of the preferred teat did not influence significantly the milk intake or growth performance. In a second series of observations the individual behaviour of the piglets immediately after birth was examined in relation to the within-litter variation in growth performance to 3 weeks of age in three litters. The amount of time that each teat was sucked during the period of continuous suckle was positively correlated with the growth performance of the piglet which preferred the teat at day 21 of lactation.

Compensatory feeding during early gestation for sows with a high weight loss after a summer lactation increased piglet birth weight but reduced litter size

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan Liu ◽  
Casie J Braden ◽  
Robert J Smits ◽  
Jessica R Craig ◽  
David J Henman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
High Weight ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Early Gestation ◽  
Compensatory Feeding

Abstract Sows mated in summer produce a greater proportion of born-light piglets (<1.1 kg) which contributes to increased carcass fatness in the progeny population. The reasons for the low birth weight of these piglets remain unclear, and there have been few successful mitigation strategies identified. We hypothesized that: (1) the low birth weight of progeny born to sows mated in summer may be associated with weight loss during the previous summer lactation; and (2) increasing early gestation feed allowance for the sows with high lactational weight loss in summer can help weight recovery and improve progeny birth weight. Sows were classified as having either low (av. 1%) or high (av. 7%) lactational weight loss in their summer lactation. All the sows with low lactational weight loss (LLStd) and half of the sows with high lactational weight loss received a standard gestation feeding regime (HLStd) (2.6 kg/d; d 0-30 gestation), whereas the rest of the sows with high lactational weight loss received a compensatory feed allowance (HLComp) (3.5 kg/d; d 0-30 gestation). A comparison of LLStd (n=75) vs HLStd sows (n=78) showed that this magnitude of weight loss over summer lactation did not affect the average piglet or litter birth weight, but such results may be influenced by the higher litter size (P = 0.032) observed in LLStd sows. A comparison of HLStd vs HLComp (n=81) sows showed that the compensatory feeding increased (P = 0.021) weight gain of gestating sows by 6 kg, increased (P = 0.009) average piglet birth weight by 0.11 kg, tended to reduce (P = 0.054) the percentage of born-light piglets from 23.5% to 17.1% but reduced the litter size by 1.4 (P = 0.014). A sub-group of progeny stratified as born-light (0.8-1.1 kg) or -normal (1.3-1.7 kg) from each sow treatment were monitored for growth performance from weaning until 100 kg weight. The growth performance and carcass backfat of progeny were not affected by sow treatments. Born-light progeny had lower feed intake, lower growth rate, higher G:F, and higher carcass backfat than born-normal progeny (all P < 0.05). In summary, compensatory feeding from d 0-30 gestation in the sows with high weight loss during summer lactation reduced the percentage of born-light progeny at the cost of a lower litter size, which should improve growth rate and carcass leanness in the progeny population born to sows with high lactational weight loss.

scholarly journals Implications of early-life indicators for survival rate, subsequent growth performance, and carcass characteristics of commercial pigs1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (8) ◽  
pp. 3313-3325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhikai K Zeng ◽  
Pedro E Urriola ◽  
Jenelle R Dunkelberger ◽  
John M Eggert ◽  
Roos Vogelzang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Compensatory Growth ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Segmented Regression ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Subsequent Growth ◽  
Linear Effect

Abstract As a result of genetic selection for increased litter size, modern, highly prolific sows often produce large litters with an increased percentage of light birth weight (BiW) piglets compared with less prolific females. However, there is limited information elucidating what proportion of light BiW piglets that express compensatory growth and how these pigs might be identified at a young age. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of birth weight and early phase growth on preweaning mortality, subsequent growth performance, and carcass characteristics of pigs. Individual records collected on 7,654 commercial crossbred pigs were used for analyses. A segmented regression model was used to analyze the effect of birth weight on preweaning survival and a series of mixed models were used to analyze the effect of birth weight (n = 7,654) group on weights recorded at: weaning (n = 6,777), nursery exit (n = 4,805), and finishing exit (n = 1,417); hot carcass weight (HCW), and lean percentage (n = 4,572). The effect of growth rate group was defined during suckling (< 225 or ≥ 225 g/d) or the nursery phase (< 424 or ≥ 424 g/d). Preweaning mortality, growth rate, BW, and carcass traits were adjusted to a standard age, and ADG and lean percentage were calculated. Results of segmented regression analysis showed that the slope of preweaning mortality on birth weights below 0.99 kg differed (P < 0.05) from the slope of preweaning mortality regressed on birth weights above 0.99 kg. The mixed model analyses showed a positive linear effect (P < 0.05) of BiW and quadratic effect (P < 0.05) of sow parity on age-adjusted finishing weight (FiW), HCW, and lean percentage. The positive influences of increasing BiW were greater (P < 0.05) in age-adjusted FiW and HCW for pigs with slow suckling growth rate compared with those with fast suckling growth rate. Pigs with fast nursery growth rate had greater (P < 0.05) age-adjusted FiW and HCW compared with the slow growing nursery contemporaries. In conclusion, piglets born weighing less than 1 kg were at a higher risk of preweaning mortality than piglets born weighing 1 kg or greater. Light BiW pigs, but not heavy BiW pigs, may lose compensatory growth capability if growth rate during the suckling phase is below the average level.

Changing Composition and Growth Performance of Services Sector in India after Liberalization

2020 ◽  
pp. 432-436
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
World Market ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Arunachal Pradesh ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
State Economy ◽  
The World

This present study makes an analysis of changing contribution of sub-sector and composition and growth performance in Indian economy. In addition to that, the contribution of sub-sector of service sector in state economy. The results revealed that the growth rate of Chandigarh was high due to providing especial emphasis on dominating sub-sectors of services and its most preferred destination for technology whereas, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh due to geographical and environmental conditions development were higher in floriculture and agriculture, although, tourism emerged as a new profession and have different opportunities. Apart of that, in the wake of some challenges in the form of lack of infrastructure, recent crisis in the world market, foreign direct investment (FDI) restrictions and outsourcing backlash were major limiting factor.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Growth and Reproductive Performance of Cloned Pietrain Boars

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2053
Author(s):  
Junsong Shi ◽  
Baohua Tan ◽  
Lvhua Luo ◽  
Zicong Li ◽  
Linjun Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
F1 Progeny

How to maximize the use of the genetic merits of the high-ranking boars (also called superior ones) is a considerable question in the pig breeding industry, considering the money and time spent on selection. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is one of the potential ways to answer the question, which can be applied to produce clones with genetic resources of superior boar for the production of commercial pigs. For practical application, it is essential to investigate whether the clones and their progeny keep behaving better than the “normal boars”, considering that in vitro culture and transfer manipulation would cause a series of harmful effects to the development of clones. In this study, 59,061 cloned embryos were transferred into 250 recipient sows to produce the clones of superior Pietrain boars. The growth performance of 12 clones and 36 non-clones and the semen quality of 19 clones and 28 non-clones were compared. The reproductive performance of 21 clones and 25 non-clones were also tested. Furthermore, we made a comparison in the growth performance between 466 progeny of the clones and 822 progeny of the non-clones. Our results showed that no significant difference in semen quality and reproductive performance was observed between the clones and the non-clones, although the clones grew slower and exhibited smaller body size than the non-clones. The F1 progeny of the clones showed a greater growth rate than the non-clones. Our results demonstrated through the large animal population showed that SCNT manipulation resulted in a low growth rate and small body size, but the clones could normally produce F1 progeny with excellent growth traits to bring more economic benefits. Therefore, SCNT could be effective in enlarging the merit genetics of the superior boars and increasing the economic benefits in pig reproduction and breeding.

scholarly journals Combined Analyses of Data From Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping Studies: Chromosome 4 Effects on Porcine Growth and Fatness

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 155 (3) ◽  
pp. 1369-1378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant A Walling ◽  
Peter M Visscher ◽  
Leif Andersson ◽  
Max F Rothschild ◽  
Lizhen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Chromosome 4 ◽  
European Wild Boar ◽  
Mapping Populations ◽  
Combined Data

Abstract For many species several similar QTL mapping populations have been produced and analyzed independently. Joint analysis of such data could be used to increase power to detect QTL and evaluate population differences. In this study, data were collated on almost 3000 pigs from seven different F2 crosses between Western commercial breeds and either the European wild boar or the Chinese Meishan breed. Genotypes were available for 31 markers on chromosome 4 (on average 8.3 markers per population). Data from three traits common to all populations (birth weight, mean backfat depth at slaughter or end of test, and growth rate from birth to slaughter or end of test) were analyzed for individual populations and jointly. A QTL influencing birth weight was detected in one individual population and in the combined data, with no significant interaction of the QTL effect with population. A QTL affecting backfat that had a significantly greater effect in wild boar than in Meishan crosses was detected. Some evidence for a QTL affecting growth rate was detected in all populations, with no significant differences between populations. This study is the largest F2 QTL analysis achieved in a livestock species and demonstrates the potential of joint analysis.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 591-591
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Infant Mortality Rate ◽  
Physical Growth ◽  
Rural Populations ◽  
Vicious Cycle ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Dramatic Consequence

Deaths of infants and of their mothers may be the most dramatic consequence of ill health, but there are other serious consequences which affect the child and, indeed, may follow it throughout adult life. The damage done by infections and associated malnutrition to a young child in its formative years is manifested in retarded physical growth and mental development, which it may never be able to catch up on, thus impairing the potential for a full and active adult life. Poverty, ignorance, and ill health thus create a vicious cycle spanning from one generation to the next, and from which the individual has little chance of escape. A striking expression of this generation link is the frequency of "low birth weight" (LBW) babies, ie, babies weighing less than 2500 gm at birth. It is now known that this frequency is closely determined by the same adverse maternal and environmental factors which determine the nutritional status of the mother. It has also been observed in developed countries that the frequency is higher among mothers who smoke during pregnancy. About 21 million LBW (small for date) babies are born each year, the greatest majority of them in developing countries. The observed incidence rate ranges from about 4% in the most developed countries to over 30% in some poor rural populations. It is also known that LBW is the single most important factor determining the survival chances of the child. The infant mortality rate is about 20 times greater for all LBW babies than for other babies, and the lower the birth weight the lower is the survival chance.

PSIII-2 Effect of Piglet Characteristics on Blood Glucose Levels at Birth

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 154-155
Author(s):  
Rafael Ovidio Bautista Rivas ◽  
Naomi C Willard ◽  
Katherine D Vande Pol ◽  
Jenny R Morris ◽  
Alicia Olivo Espinal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Order ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels

Abstract Blood glucose levels in piglets at birth are potentially associated with survival, however, there has been limited research to quantify these and to establish any associations with piglet characteristics. This study, which evaluated the effects of a number of piglet characteristics on blood glucose levels at birth, was conducted as a cross-sectional survey involving 32 litters. Litter was the experimental unit; piglet was a sub-sample of litter. At birth, piglets were weighed and assigned a vitality score [1 = high vitality; 2 = low vitality (limited mobility and/or respiration)]. Piglets were then dried with a cellulose-based desiccant, and blood samples were collected from half of the piglets in each litter with a vitality score of 1 (n = 226) and all piglets with a vitality score of 2 (n = 7). Samples (1.2 μL) were collected from the vena subcutanea abdominis; blood glucose was measured using a glucometer (Accuchek Aviva; Roche Diabetes Care, Inc., Indianapolis, IN). Effects of piglet characteristics and relationships with blood glucose levels were analyzed using PROC MIXED, PROC GLIMMIX, and PROC REG of SAS, as appropriate. There were no effects (P &gt; 0.05) of piglet birth weight or gender on blood glucose levels. Piglets with a vitality score of 2 had higher (P &lt; 0.05) blood glucose levels than those with a score of 1. Blood glucose levels increased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) with birth order (0.8 mg/dL for each piglet increase). In conclusion, blood glucose levels at birth were higher for piglets with low compared to high vitality and for those born later in the birth order. Further research is needed to establish relationships between blood glucose levels in piglets at birth and subsequent survival.

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