Performance of purebred and crossbred rabbits in Australia: doe reproductive and pre-weaning litter traits

2002 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 993 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Prayaga ◽  
S. J. Eady
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Successful Mating ◽  
Litter Traits ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation ◽  
Parity Number ◽  
Breed Crosses ◽  
Foundation Stock

Data from a rabbit breeding experiment were analysed to compare the doe reproductive and pre-weaning litter performance of 3 breeds of rabbits, namely New Zealand White (N), Californian (C), and Flemish Giant (F), and their crosses CN (C × N) and FN (F × N). The foundation stock of 152 rabbits was collected from 26 different sources in New South Wales, Australia. Data on reproductive traits, doe age at first successful mating (DA), doe weight at first successful mating (DW) arising from 104 does, conception rate (CR) from 808 matings, and kindling interval (KI) from 325 records of 119 does were analysed. Overall means for reproductive traits DA, DW, CR, and KI were 21 weeks, 3.6 kg, 0.75, and 7.4 weeks, respectively. DA, CR, and KI did not differ significantly among different breeds and their crosses. DW of C does was found to be significantly lighter than all other breed crosses in the study. Month–year of mating significantly affected DA, DW, and CR (P < 0.01), and as the parity number increased, there was a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in KI. As age of the doe at mating increased there was a significant increase in DW (P < 0.01), CR (P < 0.05), and KI (P < 0.01). Data from 436 litters of 157 does were included in the analysis of pre-weaning litter traits. The overall means for the pre-weaning litter traits were: number born per litter (NB, 8.1), number born alive per litter (NBA, 6.9), number weaned per litter (NW, 3.3), total litter birth weight (TLBW, 453.7 g), live litter birth weight (LLBW, 397.1 g), litter weaning weight (LWW, 2.8 kg), and average birth weight of kits per litter (ABW, 58.1 g). Doe breed significantly affected NW (P < 0.05), TLBW (P <�0.01), LLBW (P < 0.05), LWW, and ABW (P < 0.01). N does and crossbred does (CN and FN) performed better than purebred F and C does for NW and LWW. A significant heterosis of 41.9% and 40.8% was observed in CN does for traits NW and LWW, respectively. ABW of F does was significantly higher than that of all other breed crosses in the study. Buck breed did not have any significant effect on any of the pre-weaning litter traits under study. Parity significantly affected NW (P < 0.05), TLBW (P < 0.01), LLBW (P < 0.05), and ABW (P < 0.01). First parity does produced litters with significantly lighter birth weights. The month–year of birth effect was significant for NW, LWW (P < 0.01), and ABW (P < 0.05).�The coefficients of variation for the doe reproductive traits and pre-weaning litter traits ranged between 12.1 and 59.5% and 16.1 and 93.3%, respectively. High phenotypic variances and coefficients of variation observed for traits NW and LWW indicate that good response could be realised through selection. Repeatability estimates for reproductive traits CR and KI were very low. Low to moderate repeatability estimates in the range 0.17–0.25 were observed for pre-weaning litter traits. Significant positive phenotypic correlations were observed between litter size and litter weight traits (0.30–0.97). A significant negative correlation was observed between ABW and NB (–0.56) and NBA (–0.36).

Average birth weight of term newborn babies: a hospital based study in Thimphu, Bhutan

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14
Author(s):  
Phurb Dorji
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Term Birth ◽  
New Born ◽  
Parity Number ◽  
Indirect Indicator ◽  
Female Literacy

Introduction: The birth weight of every new born is a key predictor of its immediate outcome and indirect indicator for later development. There were no studies done in Bhutan to look at the average term birth weight. This study was under taken to estimate the average term birth weight of new born in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu and to study its correlation with maternal factors and sex of the new born. Methods: This was a retrospective study with data collected from the birthing center record for those delivered between January 2011 to December 2014. A total of 13,647 singleton babies were included. Other variables studied maternal age, parity, education level, family income, antenatal booking visits, sex of baby and maternal ethnic origins. Data were analysed for correlations. Results: From the 13,647 singleton cases, the overall average term birth weight for new born was 3,177± 435 g with boys (mean weight 3,228± 435g) being heavier than girls (mean weight 3,121 ± 429 g). This study also proved the expectation that birth weight will improve with improvements in economic situation and female literacy level. The term birth weight was positively correlated with parity, number of antenatal visits, family income, maternal education level and age. Conclusions: The average term birth weight of new born in JDWNRH is 3,177± 435 g. The mean birth of North Bhutanese (mean as 3,260 ± 436g) is heavier by 200g than the South Bhutanese (mean as 3,060 ± 411 g).

scholarly journals Analysis of Reproductive Characters in Hybrid Pig Combination (CLW x CL) x (D x Pn)

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-203
Author(s):  
Libor Sládek ◽  
Vladimír Mikule ◽  
Martina Behančínová
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
The Third ◽  
Reproductive Characters

The aim of the experiment was to analyse reproductive characters in hybrid pig combination (CLW x CL) x (D x Pn). These reproductive traits of sows were studied: number of all, live born and weaned piglets, loses from live born piglets till weaning. These influences with an impact on reproductive characters were monitored: order of litter, number of piglets in a litter, birth weight of piglets, influences of sex and litter order on birth weight of piglets. An average number of all born piglets per sow and litter it was 13.25 piglets. From this an average number of live born piglets it was 12.48 piglets per sow and litter and from each litter there was 11.40 of weaned piglets. The highest number of live born piglets was reached in sows on the fourth litter – 14.50 piglets. On eighth and nineth litter fertility decreased to 11.60 and 11.00 piglets. Statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found between fourth (14.50) and nineth (11.00) litter. Among birth weight in both sexes a statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found. Higher birth weight (1.46 kg) was found in boars in comparison with gilts (1.40 kg). The highest birth weights in gilts were reached in litters of sows on the second and nineth litters – 1.49 kg and 1.48 kg. Birth weight decreased on tenth litter with average weight of 1.28 kg. The highest birth weight in boars was detected on the seventh litter but on the seventh litter piglets of only one sow were weightened so the result 1.67 kg is not objective. The second highest average birth weight was reached on the third litters – 1.53 kg. On the contrary the lowest average birth weight was on the fourth and tenth litters where boars reached weight of 1.28 and 1.25 kg. Statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found between the second (1.53 kg) and tenth (1.25 kg) litter.

scholarly journals Influences Which Affect Reproductive Characters of Sows in Studied Reproductive Breeding

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 1653-1659
Author(s):  
Libor Sládek ◽  
Vladimír Mikule ◽  
Kateřina Wasserbauerová
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
The Third ◽  
Reproductive Characters

The aim of the study was to evaluate influences which affect reproductive characters of sows in chosen reproductive breeding. These reproductive traits of sows were studied: number of all, live born and weaned piglets, losses from live born piglets till weaning. These influences which affect reproductive characters were studied: order of litter, number of piglets in litter, birth weight of piglets and influence of sex on birth weight of piglets. An average number of all born piglets per litter it was 11.74 animals. From that 11.33 live born piglets per sow and litter. 10.15 piglets were weaned from each litter in average. It represents 11.68 % of losses in live born piglets till weaning. An influence of litter order on number of live born piglets in litter was studied in an experiment. The first litters show 11.36 of live born piglets in average, the second litters 10.38 piglets, the third litters 10.43 piglets and the fourth litters 10.75 piglets. Maximum was reached on fifth litter with 13.33 of live born piglets. From the sixth litter number of live born piglets was decreasing. On the sixth litter it was 12.33 piglets, on the seventh only 9.40 of live born piglets. Between fifth litter (13.33 piglets) and seventh litter (9.40 piglets) statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found. The sixth litters showed the highest number of weaned piglets – 11.00. On the contrary the lowest number of weaned piglets it was on the seventh litter – 8.40 piglets. Statistical conclusive difference among the numbers of weaned piglets according to litter order it was not proved. Higher average birth weight (1.50 kg) was found in boars in comparison to gilts (1.46 kg). Next birth weight of gilts and boars was studied in dep endence on litter order. The lowest birth weight in both sexes was found on the first litters – gilts (1.27 kg) and boars (1.36 kg). Gilts reached the highest birth weights on the seconds and the sixths litters (1.62 kg). Statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found in gilts among litters one (1.27 kg) and two (1.62 kg) respectively six (1.62 kg). Boars reached the lowest birth weight (1.36 kg) on the first litter. The highest birth weight of boars (1.73 kg) was reached on the fourth litter. Statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found among these litters. Next statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.05) was found between the first (1.36) and sixth (1.70 kg) litter and statistical conclusive difference (P ≤ 0.01) between the first and the second litter (1.68 kg).

scholarly journals The impact of maternal genetic merit and country of origin on ewe reproductive performance, lambing performance and ewe survival

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Fetherstone ◽  
N McHugh ◽  
T M Boland ◽  
F M McGovern
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the ewe’s maternal genetic merit and country of origin (New Zealand or Ireland) on ewe reproductive, lambing and productivity traits. The study was performed over a four year period (2016 to 2019) and consisted of three genetic groups: high maternal genetic merit New Zealand (NZ), high maternal genetic merit Irish (High Irish) and low maternal genetic merit Irish (Low Irish) ewes. Each group contained 30 Suffolk and 30 Texel ewes, selected based on the respective national maternal genetic indexes; i.e. either the New Zealand Maternal Worth (New Zealand group) or the €uro-star Replacement index (Irish groups). The impact of maternal genetic merit on reproductive traits such as litter size; lambing traits such as gestation length, birth weight, lambing difficulty, mothering ability, and productivity traits such as the number of lambs born and weaned were analyzed using linear mixed models. For binary traits, the impact of maternal genetic merit on reproductive traits such as conception to first AI service; lambing traits such as dystocia, perinatal lamb mortality and productivity traits such as ewe survival were analyzed using logistic regression. New Zealand ewes outperformed Low Irish ewes for conception to first AI (P&lt;0.05) and litter size (P=0.05). Irish ewes were more likely to suffer from dystocia (6.84 (High Irish) and 8.25 (Low Irish) times) compared to NZ ewes (P&lt;0.001); birth weight and perinatal mortality did not differ between groups (P&gt;0.05). Lambs born from NZ ewes were 4.67 (95% CI: 1.89 to 11.55; P&lt;0.001) and 6.54 (95% CI: 2.56 to 16.71; P&lt;0.001) times more likely to stand up and suckle unassisted relative to lambs born from High or Low Irish ewes, respectively. New Zealand and High Irish ewes had a greater number of lambs born and weaned throughout the duration of the study compared to their Low Irish counterparts (P&lt;0.001). New Zealand ewes tended to be more likely to survive from one year to the next compared to Low Irish ewes (P=0.07). Irish ewes of high maternal genetic merit outperformed their Low counterparts in total number of lambs born and weaned per ewe, but performance did not differ across other traits investigated. This highlights the importance of continuous development of the Irish maternal sheep index to ensure favourable improvements in reproductive, lambing and productivity traits at farm level. Overall, results demonstrate the suitability of NZ genetics in an Irish production system.

A comparison of the Charolais, British Friesian and Hereford breeds as sires of crossbred singlesuckled calves for beef production

1973 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Haycock ◽  
D. A. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Beef Cattle Production ◽  
Breed Crosses ◽  
Selection Of

SUMMARYIn three successive years cows from an Aberdeen Angus cross Shorthorn herd were mated to pedigree Charolais, British Friesian and Hereford bulls. A comparison of the progeny of the three breeds of sire under controlled conditions was therefore possible using a random selection of dams for mating, and identical rearing of the calves. Results for live-weight gain of the suckled progeny were analysed and showed superiority of the Charolais breed over the other two when used in this form of beef cattle production.For birth weights and daily live-weight gains, particularly during the grazing period, the Charolais cross progeny showed superiority over the other two. There was a consistent although not always statistically significant tendency for these differences between the breed crosses to occur in the male calves only, the females showing little difference between breeds. The data also showed highly significant relationships between gestation period and birth weight, both within and between breed crosses.

scholarly journals Serum Zinc Level at Term Pregnancy and Newborn Anthropometry

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irma Seriana ◽  
Yusrawati Yusrawati ◽  
Gustina Lubis
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Head Circumference ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Zinc Level ◽  
Birth Length ◽  
Anthropometric Measurement ◽  
Term Pregnancy ◽  
Serum Zinc Level ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Newborn Anthropometry

Objective: To determine the relationship between serum zinc level at term pregnancy and newborn anthropometry. Methods: This study is an observational study with cross-sectional design. Serum zinc level at term pregnancy was measured and then anthropometric measurement was done to the newborn, including birth weight, birth length and head circumference at birth. The data were statistically analyzed using regression correlation test. Results: Mean serum zinc level at term pregnancy is 36.01 μg/dl (SD=18.34 μg/dl), the average birth weight is 3158 gr (SD=480.4 gr), the average birth length is 48.42 cm (SD=1.75 cm) and the average head circumference at birth is 33.13 cm (SD=1.14 cm). There was no statistically significant relationship between serum zinc levels at term pregnancy and birth weight (p-value=0.152). Meanwhile, there are statistically significant relationships between serum zinc level at term pregnancy with birth length and head circumference with pvalue 0.026 and 0.012, respectively. Conclusion: Serum zinc level at term pregnancy is correlated with birth length and head circumference, but is not correlated with birth weight. [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 3-4: 190-195] Keywords: birth length, birth weight, head circumference at birth, serum zinc level, term pregnancy

scholarly journals Effect of environmental factor on some litter traits of sows in the tropics Mexican

2016 ◽  
pp. 5102-5111
Author(s):  
Jesús Ek M ◽  
José Segura C ◽  
Alejandro Alzina L
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Humid Tropics ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
Litter Traits ◽  
Parity Number ◽  
Quadratic Effects ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Season Interaction ◽  
Size At Birth

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the effect of environmental factors on litter traits at birth and weaning, and their repeatabilities in four farms in the sub-humid tropics of Mexico. Materials and methods. Data from 46.249 to 50.316 litters for litter size at birth (LSB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), litter weight at birth (LWB), number of piglets weaned (NPW) and litter weight at weaning (LWW) were used. The statistical model for LSB, NBA and LWB included the effects of farm, farrowing year, farrowing season, parity number, simple interactions, random effects of sow and the error term. NPW and LWW were analyzed using the previous model plus the linear and quadratic effects of lactation length (LL). Results. The means for LSB, NBA, LWB, NPW and LWW were 11.7 piglets, 11.0 piglets, 16.1 kg, 10.3 piglets and 61.3 kg, respectively. All effects in the model affected the litter traits. Farrowing year x season interaction was significant for NPW, LWB and LWW. The dry season had the highest LSB, NBA y NPW. First parity sows had higher LSB and NBA means than for second parity sows. Parity increase until parity 4 to decrease thereafter. LL had a quadratic effect on NPW and LWW. Repeatability estimates for LSB, NBA, and LWB were 0.12, 0.12 and 0.14, respectively. Conclusions. All traits studied were influenced by the environmental factors studied. Repeatabilities for LSB, NBA and LWB were low. RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de factores ambientales sobre características de la camada al nacer y al destete, y sus repetibilidades en cuatro granjas en el trópico sub-húmedo de México. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron los datos de 50.316 a 46.249 camadas para el total de lechones nacidos (LSB), lechones nacidos vivos (NBA) y peso de la camada al nacimiento (LWB), lechones destetados (NPW) y peso de la camada al destete (LWW). El modelo estadístico para LSB, NBA y LWB incluyen los efectos de granja, año, época, número de parto, interacciones simples, efecto aleatorio de cerda y error. El modelo para NPW y LWW incluyó los factores anteriores y además, los efectos lineal y cuadrático de largo de lactación (LL). Resultados. Las medias para LSB, NBA, LWB, NPW y LWW fueron 11.7 lechones, 11.0 lechones, 16.1 kg, 10.3 lechones y 61.3 kg, respectivamente. Todos los factores estudiados afectaron las características de la camada. La interacción de año x época fue significativa para NPW, LWB y LWW. La época seca presentó las mayores medias de LSB, NBA y NPW. Las cerdas primer parto obtuvieron medias de LSB y NBA superiores que las cerdas del segundo parto. Las medias por número de parto incrementaron hasta el cuarto, para después disminuir. La LL obtuvo un efecto cuadrático sobre NPW y LWW. Las repetibilidades estimadas para LSB, NBA, y LWW fueron 0.12, 0.12 y 0.14, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Todos los factores ambientales estudiados afectaron las características de la camada al nacer y al destete. Las repetibilidades estimadas fueron bajas.

scholarly journals Maternal inheritance on reproductive traits in Brangus-Ibagé cattle

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 1163-1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Ernani Henkes ◽  
Magda Vieira Benavides ◽  
João Francisco Coelho Oliveira ◽  
José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes ◽  
Tania Azevedo Weimer
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Age At First Calving ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Mtdna Mutations ◽  
D Loop ◽  
Additive Genetic Effects

Cytoplasmic inheritance influence on reproductive traits was investigated in the Brangus-Ibagé cattle (3/8 Nelore x 5/8 Aberdeen Angus). Additive genetic effects were responsible for 12% ± 11% of phenotypic variation observed in first calving interval, but their contribution dropped to zero when all calving intervals (CI) were considered. The heritability estimate for age at first calving (AFC, in days) was 0.19 ± 0.09. Mitochondrial lineage (MIT) had negligible effects on phenotypic variances of calving interval (0.0 ± 0.02), calf birth weight (0.0 ± 0.01), and cow weight at calving (0.0 ± 0.01). However, for the age at first calving, MIT accounted for 0.15 ± 0.07 of total variation. Cow weight at calving had a significant linear effect on CI and AFC. Three D-loop mtDNA mutations significantly affected either calving interval (T®C at sites 16,113 and 16,119) or calf birth weight (T®C at site 16,113). The C variants had decreased CI (29 and 32 days, respectively) and increased calf weight (0.6kg). Although the effects were small, direct selection for these mutation-carrier cows might improve the reproductive and developmental performance in this herd.

Regional differences in birth size: a comparison between the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study and contemporaneous births on the Åland Islands

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Sandboge ◽  
J. Fellman ◽  
P. M. Nilsson ◽  
A. W. Eriksson ◽  
C. Osmond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Characteristics

The Åland Islands were recently ranked as Finland’s healthiest region with lower prevalence of several non-communicable diseases compared with the national mean. We have compared birth characteristics of 1697 individuals born on the Åland Islands between 1937 and 1944 with contemporaneous data from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (HBCS;n=11,808). This is a first step towards a potential future analysis of Ålandic health from a life-course perspective. Mean birth weight and length were calculated for both cohorts. Birth weight was entered into a multiple linear regression model with sex, maternal age, marital status and birth year as predictors. Mean birth weight in the Åland cohort was 3499 g, 87 g (95% CI 62; 111) higher compared with the HBCS. Sex and maternal marital status were the strongest predictors of birth weight. More detailed studies are needed to explore the potential effects of this difference in average birth weight between cohorts.

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