Optimization of selection for food intake capacity in pigs

1992 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kanis ◽  
A. G. de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Term Selection ◽  
Protein Deposition ◽  
Optimum Selection ◽  
Economic Weight

AbstractOptimum selection directions for averagead libitumfood intake capacity (FIC) in growing pigs were derived by means of a biological growth model based on the linear/plateau relationship between protein deposition and food intake. Breeding goal traits were minimum fat to protein deposition ratio (R), maximum protein deposition rate (Pdmax) and FIC. The selection index included FIC, daily weight gain (DG), backfat thickness and proportion of lean meat in the carcass of a full-sib.Selection indexes were developed for three alternative levels of FIC. If FIC was too low to realize Pdmax, the economic weight of FIC was positive and optimal selection emphasis should be mainly on FIC, resulting in a rapid increase of DG. If FIC was higher than necessary to realize Pdmax, the economic weight of FIC was negative, and short-term selection resulted in increase of carcass leanness but decrease of FIC and DG. If FIC was just sufficient to realize Pdmax, selection should be for R and Pdmax. In this third alternative, the gain in FIC should follow the gain in R and Pdmaxin an optimal way and selection should best be carried out with a desired gains index, which results in improvement of DG and carcass leanness.It was shown that, in cases where FIC was higher than necessary to realize Pdmax, selection with a desired gainsindex should be preferred because this was more profitable in the long term. From the model calculations, it followed that future profit from selection of growing pigs for production traits is likely to decline because of the necessity to increase FIC.

scholarly journals Protein phenotypes and productive traits in Landrace, Large White and Duroc swine

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Helena Tagliaro ◽  
Maria Helena Lartigau Pereira Franco ◽  
Werner Meincke ◽  
Gilberto Silva
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Large White ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Productive Traits

Fourteen protein systems coded by 15 structural loci were typed by horizontal electrophoresis to determine possible associations betweem the protein phenotypes and productive traits in Landrace (N=109), Largo White (N= 116) and Duroe (N=57) pigs, reared in Southern Brazil. Signiticant associations between protein phenotypes and production traits were detected. The most consistent interaction were observed between two protein systems (phosphogluconate dehydrogenase - Pgd and Hemopexin -Hpx) and at least one of the four performance variables considered. In Duroc breed, the Pgd phenotypes were associated with daily weight gain (P < 0.01), feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) and selection index (P < 0.001), while in Landrace significant associations were observed only with feed convertion ratio (P < 0.05). The Hpx phenotypes were associated with daily weight gain (P < 0.05) and backfat thickness (P < 0.05) in Large White and with this last variable (P < 0.01) and selection index (P < 0.05) in Duroc pigs. Since these results had not been reported previously, turther studies are need to confirm these associations.

Optimum linear indices for non-linear profit functions

1993 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Pasternak ◽  
J. I. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Selection Index ◽  
Selection Intensity ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Milk Production Traits ◽  
Optimum Selection ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Linear Index ◽  
Standard Linear ◽  
Profit Functions ◽  
Selection Intensities

AbstractAn iterative method is presented, based on the method of Moav and Hill (1966) to derive the optimum linear selection index for any number of traits with linear or non-linear profit functions. For non-linear profit functions the index weights will be functions of the trait means prior to selection and the selection intensity. Using the equations developed, the optimum selection index for three dairy cattle milk production traits was computed. Convergence was obtained after three to four iterations, and was robust to the starting values used for iteration. The ratio of expected genetic gains were only marginally different for selection intensities of 1 and 4 standard deviation units. Differences were greater for the index coefficients. All alternative indices tested gave lower gains in profit than the optimum index. For linear profit functions this index reduces to the standard linear index, and for two uncorrelated traits this index reduces to the index of Moav and Hill (1966).

A growth model to estimate economic values for food intake capacity in pigs

1992 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. de Vries ◽  
E. Kanis
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Growth Model ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Economic Values ◽  
Biological Growth ◽  
Protein Deposition ◽  
Positive Economic ◽  
Ad Libitum

AbstractA biological growth model was developed to study economic values for average ad libitum food intake capacity (FIC) in growing pigs. The model was based on the linear/plateau relationship between protein deposition and food intake. Input variables were: minimum fat to protein deposition ratio (R), maximum protein deposition rate (Pdmax)and food intake (FI). Output variables were production traits and production costs.Economic values (under commercial conditions with ad libitum feeding) were derived with the growth model for each of the traits FIC, R, and Pdmax keeping the other two traits constant, for three alternative levels of FIC. If FIC was too low to realize Pdmax, FIC had a positive economic value, R had a negative economic value and the value of Pdmax was zero. If FIC was higher than necessary to realize Pdmax, economic values were negative, zero and positive for FIC, R, and Pdmax respectively. If FIC was just sufficient to realise Pdmax, the lowest production costs occurred. Now, R had a negative economic value and Pdmax had a positive economic value.With a restricted feeding regimen under commercial conditions a daily food supply just sufficient to realize Pdmax should be pursued. It was concluded that use of a biological growth model to estimate economic values for FIC would give more insight into correct selection strategies than would the use of an economic model.

A note on the IVOG®-station: a feeding station to record the individual food intake of group-housed growing pigs

1992 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 160-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. C. M. de Haer ◽  
J. W. M. Merks ◽  
H. G. Kooper ◽  
G. A. J. Buiting ◽  
J. A. van Hattum
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Group Housing ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Feeding Station ◽  
Food Intake Pattern ◽  
The Individual

A feeding station is described that is used for individual food intake recordings of group-housed growing pigs. The IVOG®-station can be used for performance testing in group housing or for investigating effects of, for example housing system, food composition, breed or sex on food intake pattern and production traits.

Effect of food intake capacity on genotype by feeding regimen interactions in growing pigs

1990 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 343-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kanis
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Fatty Tissue ◽  
Restricted Feeding ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Feeding Regimen ◽  
Ad Libitum

ABSTRACTFrom each of 159 litters, between one and three pigs were fed ad libitum and between one and four pigs were fed at several restricted feeding levels from about 27 to 107 kg live weight. Effects of litter by feeding regimen (ad libitumv. restricted feeding) interactions (L × F) and sex by feeding regimen interactions (S × F) on production traits were investigated. In experimental groups where restrictedly fed animals received an amount of food based on their estimated voluntary food intake capacity (FIC), interactions were non-significant. In groups where restricted feeding was independent of FIC, significant L × F or S × F interactions were found for daily food intake (FI), daily gain, lean tissue growth rate and fatty tissue growth rate, but not for body composition and food conversion traits.Because of between-animal variation in FIC, restricted feeding according to a fixed scale restricted intake of some animals to a higher degree than others and degree of food intake restriction (DFR) was calculated from actual FI and FIC for animals fed at a restricted level. After correction of FI and production traits of restrictedly fed animals for differences in DFR, L × F and S × F interactions were not significant.It was concluded that the poor relationships often found between test-station results of boars and results of their progeny in practical environments may be caused, to an important extent, by differences in DFR in each environment. To overcome these genotype by environment interactions it is recommended that animals be fed ad libitum in both test and commercial environments.

scholarly journals Breeding for improved welfare in pigs: a conceptual framework and its use in practice

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kanis ◽  
H. van den Belt ◽  
A. F. Groen ◽  
J. Schakel ◽  
K. H. de Greef
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Motivation To Change ◽  
Breeding Goal ◽  
Transition Points

AbstractWelfare of animals can be defined as the kind of feelings the environmental conditions bring about in the animals. These feelings depend on the needs of the animals and their degree of satisfaction. Needs of animals, and so their welfare, are partly genetically determined. Therefore, welfare can be changed by breeding. The aim of this study was to investigate how welfare of pigs under modern intensive farm conditions can be improved by genetic selection, with emphasis on the precise definition of the breeding goal and determination of the animal characteristics on which selection can be based in practice.The existing thermoregulation model was used to develop a conceptual framework that describes welfare of growing pigs and production sows with respect to each of their needs as a curvilinear function of the respective environmental conditions. The framework assumes that welfare in terms of feelings is reflected by the physiological and behavioural mechanisms the pig has to activate in order to cope with the various environmental conditions it encounters. Based on those physiological and behavioural responses to changing conditions, five welfare zones can be distinguished for each need. Breeding goals for welfare were defined in terms of the transition points between these welfare zones, such that future pigs would better cope with unfavourable or unfamiliar farming conditions, therewith quickening the domestication process, to some extent. However, as long as genetic parameters for these transition points are not available, more common welfare-related characteristics like temperament, stress resistance and robustness can be included in the breeding goal, as an alternative.For selection among potential breeding candidates, transition points between welfare zones can be determined in sib tests, thereby also collecting the data for estimating genetic parameters. As a cheaper alternative, breeding candidates could be tested under hard conditions and selected on their coping success. In addition, various behavioural tests and operant conditioning tests (to test a pig's motivation to change its actual environment) can be carried out. Under common conditions on the farm, problems associated with coping (like incidences of diseases, injuries, and stereotypies) and/or other relevant traits (e.g. saliva cortisol levels, longevity and even production traits) should be recorded routinely and used as selection index information. Selection for improved welfare should lead to more tolerant pigs that are better able to cope with possible unfavourable farm conditions by a more efficient use of the adaptation mechanisms they already possess. It should, however, not result in lowering husbandry standards. More research is needed to assess genetic correlations among various welfare aspects and with production traits to prevent undesired side effects in future populations of pigs.

Somatotropin increases protein balance independent of insulin's effects on protein metabolism in growing pigs

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (1) ◽  
pp. E1-E10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhonda C. Vann ◽  
Hanh V. Nguyen ◽  
Peter J. Reeds ◽  
Norman C. Steele ◽  
Daniel R. Deaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Protein Metabolism ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Metabolic Responses ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Protein Balance ◽  
Protein Deposition ◽  
Leucine Oxidation

Somatotropin (ST) administration enhances protein deposition and elicits profound metabolic responses, including hyperinsulinemia. To determine whether the anabolic effect of ST is due to hyperinsulinemia, pair-fed weight-matched growing swine were treated with porcine ST (150 μg · kg body wt−1 · day−1) or diluent for 7 days ( n = 6/group, ∼20 kg). Then pancreatic glucose-amino acid clamps were performed after an overnight fast. The objective was to reproduce the insulin levels of 1) fasted control and ST pigs (basal insulin, 5 μU/ml), 2) fed control pigs (low insulin, 20 μU/ml), and 3) fed ST pigs (high insulin, 50 μU/ml). Amino acid and glucose disposal rates were determined from the infusion rates necessary to maintain preclamp blood levels of these substrates. Whole body nonoxidative leucine disposal (NOLD), leucine appearance (Ra), and leucine oxidation were determined with primed, continuous infusions of [13C]leucine and [14C]bicarbonate. ST treatment was associated with higher NOLD and protein balance and lower leucine oxidation and amino acid and glucose disposals. Insulin lowered Ra and increased leucine oxidation, protein balance, and amino acid and glucose disposals. These effects of insulin were suppressed by ST treatment; however, the protein balance remained higher in ST pigs. The results show that ST treatment inhibits insulin's effects on protein metabolism and indicate that the stimulation of protein deposition by ST treatment is not mediated by insulin. Comparison of the protein metabolic responses to ST treatment during the basal fasting period with those in the fully fed state from a previous study suggests that the mechanism by which ST treatment enhances protein deposition is influenced by feeding status.

The incorporation of fertility indices in genetic improvement programmes

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.E. Pryce ◽  
R.F. Veerkamp
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variance ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Phenotypic Variance ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Genetic Progress ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Days Open

AbstractIn recent years there has been considerable genetic progress in milk production. Yet, increases in yield have been accompanied by an apparent lengthening of calving intervals, days open, days to first heat and a decline in conception rates, which appears to be both at the genetic and phenotypic level. Fertility has a high relative economic value compared to production traits such as protein, making it attractive to include in a breeding programme. To do this there needs to be genetic variance in fertility. Measures of fertility calculated from service dates have a small genetic compared to phenotypic variance, hence heritability estimates are small, typically less than 5%, although coefficients of genetic variance are comparable to those of production traits. Heritabilities of commencement of luteal activity determined using progesterone profiles are generally higher, and have been reported as being from 0.16 to 0.28, which could be because of a more precise quantification of genetic variance, as management influences such as delaying insemination and heat detection rates are excluded. However, it might not be the use of progesterone profiles alone, as days to first heat observed by farm staff has a heritability of 0.15. The most efficient way to breed for improved fertility is to construct a selection index using the genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates of all traits of interest in addition to their respective economic values. Index traits for fertility could include measures such as calving interval, days open, days to first service, or days to first heat but there may also be alternative measures. Examples include traits related to energy balance, such as live weight and condition score (change), both of which have higher heritabilities than fertility measures and have genetic correlations of sufficient magnitude to make genetic progress by using them feasible. To redress the balance between fertility and production, some countries already publish genetic evaluations of fertility including: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

scholarly journals Phytase enzyme in diets containing defatted rice bran for growing swine

2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 631-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Aparecido Moreira ◽  
Dorinha Miriam Silber Schmidt Vitti ◽  
Messias Alves da Trindade Neto ◽  
João Batista Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Rice Bran ◽  
Organic Phosphorus ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Inorganic P ◽  
Defatted Rice Bran ◽  
Bone Ash ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus ◽  
Phosphate Groups

Organic phosphorus is poorly utilized by monogastric animals because they lack phytase, the enzyme that cleaves the ortho-phosphate groups from the phytate molecule. Diets fed to pigs are supplemented with inorganic P, and this can increase environmental pollution and diet costs. Sixty mixed sex, half-breed pigs, were used to evaluate the effect of increasing dietary levels of phytase (253, 759, 1265 and 1748 PU kg-1 feed) on animal performance as compared to a control without phytase but supplemented with dicalcium phosphate. Enzyme levels did not affect daily feed intake, food conversion, average daily weight gain, plasma P and Ca, calcium and phosphorus in bone ash, and the calcium/phosphorus ratio in the plasma and bones. A quadratic relationship between phytase levels and the percentages of P and Ca in bone ash was observed, reaching a maximum at the 880 and 879 PU levels, respectively. Animals fed diets containing phytase presented low plasma P values when compared to the control, but no effects were observed for the regression analysis. Using 759 PU phytase in rations containing corn, soybean bran and defatted rice bran for growing pigs can eliminate the use of traditional sources of P.

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