scholarly journals 18 Does crowding in the nursery affect future sow reproductive performance and longevity in the breeding herd?

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 10-11
Author(s):  
Mark J Estienne ◽  
Stuart Callahan ◽  
Amanda Cross ◽  
Ashley DeDecker ◽  
Merlin D Lindemann
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Blood Chemistry ◽  
Abortion Rate ◽  
Current Experiment ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Breeding Herd ◽  
Kg Medium

Abstract We previously reported that crowding in the nursery decreased growth rate and affected blood chemistry and hematology measures in gilts. In the current experiment, weanling gilts were allowed decreased floor space in the nursery to determine effects of crowding on their future litter sizes and retention as sows. Of 2,537 gilts classified at weaning as large (6.92 kg), medium (4.42 kg), or small (5.60 kg) and reared in nursery pens of 14, 11, or 8 pigs (to allow 0.15, 0.19, or 0.27 m2 floor space/pig, respectively), 1,453 gilts were selected for breeding and distributed among 11 sow farms. As expected, total litter size (12.94, 13.28, and 13.99; SE = 0.13) and born alive (12.21, 12.64, and 13.23; SE = 0.11) increased (P < 0.01) from parity one to three. A tendency (P = 0.08) existed for a quadratic relationship between space and total litter size [13.39, 13.54, and 13.27 (SE = 0.13) for gilts allowed 0.15, 0.19, or 0.27 m2 floor space/pig, respectively]. A linear effect of pig size (P = 0.03) on stillborns was detected (0.64, 0.75, and 0.75, for small, medium, and large, respectively). There was no effect of space on the percentages of gilts completing zero (P = 0.36), one (P = 0.35), two (P = 0.32) or three (P = 0.50) parities. However, the percentage of small gilts completing zero parities was greater (P < 0.01), and the percentage completing one parity was less (P < 0.01) than for large or medium gilts. Abortion rate was greater (P < 0.01) in gilts classified as small (2.51%) or medium (1.36%) compared with large (0.20%). Floor space allowed in the nursery did not remarkably affect litter sizes or retention through three parities in sows. Compared with larger pigs, however, more small pigs entering the breeding herd did not complete a parity and displayed a greater abortion rate.

scholarly journals Effects of group-size-floor space allowance during the nursery phase of production on future litter size and retention of sows through three parities1

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 299-306
Author(s):  
Stuart R Callahan ◽  
Amanda J Cross ◽  
Ashley E DeDecker ◽  
Merlin D Lindemann ◽  
Mark J Estienne
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Blood Chemistry ◽  
Abortion Rate ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Breeding Herd ◽  
Kg Medium ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract We previously reported that reduced floor space allowance caused by increasing the number of gilts per pen decreased growth and affected blood chemistry and immunology. The current objective was to determine effects of nursery group-size-floor space allowance on future litter sizes and retention in the breeding herd through three parities in sows. A 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed with 2,537 gilts classified as large (6.92 ± 0.06 kg), medium (5.60 ± 0.06 kg), or small (4.42 ± 0.06 kg), and placed in nursery pens of 14, 11, or 8 pigs to allow 0.15, 0.19, or 0.27 m2 floor space/pig, respectively. After the nursery and grow-finish periods, 1,453 gilts selected for breeding were relocated to one of 11 sow farms. Total litter size and pigs born alive increased (P &lt; 0.01) with increasing parity and total litter size was 12.94, 13.28, and 13.99 (SE = 0.13) and pigs born alive was 12.21, 12.64, and 13.23 (SE = 0.11) for Parities 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) for a quadratic relationship of group-size-floor space allowance and total litter size (13.39, 13.54, and 13.27 [SE = 0.13] for gilts allowed 0.15, 0.19, or 0.27 m2 floor space/pig, respectively). A linear effect of size of pig at weaning (P = 0.03) on pigs born dead was detected and was 0.64, 0.75, and 0.75, for small, medium, and large size pigs, respectively. There was no effect of group-size-floor space allowance on the percentages of gilts completing zero (P = 0.36), one (P = 0.35), two (P = 0.32), or three (P = 0.50) parities. In contrast, the percentage of small gilts that failed to complete one parity was greater (P &lt; 0.05) and the percentage completing one parity (P &lt; 0.05) was less than for either large or medium gilts. Abortion rate was greater (P &lt; 0.01) in gilts classified as small (2.51%) or medium (1.36%) at weaning compared with those classified as large (0.20%). Size at weaning did not affect the proportion of gilts completing two (P = 0.88) or three (P = 0.72) parities. Group-size-floor space allowance during the nursery phase of production did not have remarkable effects on future litter sizes or retention in sows. Likewise, size of pig at weaning did not affect litter size and pigs born alive. Compared with larger pigs, however, more pigs classified as small at weaning and entering the breeding herd did not complete a parity and displayed a greater abortion rate.

scholarly journals Effect of restricted feeding under rearing on reproduction, body condition and blood metabolites of rabbit does selected for growth rate

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Naturil-Alfonso ◽  
F. Marco-Jiménez ◽  
J.J. Pascual ◽  
J.S. Vicente
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Young Rabbit ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Perirenal Fat

Young rabbit females selected for growth rate can have nutritional needs which may not be met by the common practice of feed restriction during rearing in commercial rabbit production. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of two different feeding programmes: restricted and ad libitum feeding, applied in young rabbit females for one month at the end of rearing, on reproductive performance, body condition and circulating metabolic hormones and metabolites in a rabbit line selected by growth rate in 3 consecutive reproductive cycles. Thus, twenty-four 16-week-old does were randomly assigned to a group in which the daily recommended nutrient intakes were satisfied (fed restricted: 130 g/day, n=13) or a group fed to satiety (ad libitum: 235.5 g/day, n=11) during one month. Then, all does were inseminated in 3 consecutive cycles using a 42-day reproductive cycle. Measurements of does’ body weight, perirenal fat thickness and plasma leptin, non-esterified-fatty-acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) and fructosamine were performed at artificial insemination (AI), parturition and weaning time in 3 consecutive cycles. Reproductive performance of does was evaluated based on fertility, litter size at parturition, prolificacy and productivity. Differences in body weight were found only in the 1<sup>st</sup> cycle, ad libitum fed females being heavier than restricted ones. Nevertheless, body weight variances disappeared in later cycles. No differences were found in perirenal fat thickness. Finally, in ad libitum fed females slight differences were found in plasma levels of NEFAs (452 vs. 258 μekv/L and 527 vs. 306 μekv/L for 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> cycles) and BOHB (0.26 vs. 0.03 mM for 2<sup>nd</sup> cycle), but disappeared in the 3<sup>rd</sup> reproductive cycle. Fertility, prolificacy and productivity was not significantly affected by the feeding programme. Nevertheless, total litter size showed to be higher in ad libitum fed females at second parturition (8.7 vs. 5.9 kits). Therefore, the evaluated feeding programmes until first AI in females selected by growth rate had no effect on their reproductive outcomes, as the global reproductive performance was not affected.

scholarly journals 17 Effects of birth traits, physical or fenceline boar exposure and group size on pubertal measures and lifetime fertility of replacement gilts

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 12-12
Author(s):  
Robert V Knox ◽  
Ashley Daniel ◽  
Jenny Patterson ◽  
Lidia S Arend ◽  
George Foxcroft
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Delayed Puberty ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Birth Records ◽  
And Control ◽  
Farrowing Rate

Abstract In experiment 1, prepubertal gilts with (n = 264) and without (n = 43) birth records received Fenceline (FBE) or Physical (PBE) Boar Exposure (BE) in a Boar Exposure Area (BEAR). At 185 d of age, gilts (13/pen) received BE for 15 min/d for 3 wk. At the start of Week 3, anestrual gilts received PG600 or no-PG600 (Control). At estrus, females were moved into stalls and inseminated at 2nd heat. Gilts born in larger litters were lighter (r = -0.26) while heavier pigs grew faster to puberty (r = 0.25). PBE increased estrus in Week 1 (38%) over FBE (28%). In Week 3, PBE-PG600 increased estrus (79.9%) compared with PBE- Control (36.2%), while FBE-PG600 and Control did not differ (52.7 vs. 42.5%). By 6 wk, estrus tended to be greater (P < 0.08) for PBE (91.2%) than FBE (83.2%). Reduced fertility associated with: 1) small birth litter; 2) heaviest birthweight; 3) slower growth rate; 4) delayed puberty and age at 1st service; and 5) abnormal estrus interval. Experiment 2 tested the pubertal response to PBE or FBE with 10 or 20 gilts/pen. Gilts (n = 180) at 168 d with 1.8 m2 floor space received BE once/d for 15 min for 1–3 wk. At the start of Week 3, anestrual gilts received PG600. Estrus in Week 1 (7.3%) did not differ, but a BE x Pen effect occurred in Week 2 (estrus range: 15–34%). In Week 3, PG600 increased estrus (P < 0.03) in Pens of 10 (83.7%) compared to Pens of 20 (64.1%). BE method had no effect and Pens of 10 had greater estrus (P = 0.05) than Pens of 20 (88.3 vs 75.8%). These results indicated that use of PBE, a BEAR, smaller group size, and PG600 can be used in combinations to enhance puberty induction. Birth and pubertal measures influenced service and farrowing rate, litter size, and age at removal.

scholarly journals Reproductive Performance, Retention Rate, and Age at the Third Parity According to Growth Rate and Age at First Mating in the Gilts with a Modern Genotype

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Jamil Elias Ghiggi Faccin ◽  
Fernanda Laskoski ◽  
Paulo Emílio Lesskiu ◽  
Aline Fernanda Lopes Paschoal ◽  
André Luiz Mallmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Large White ◽  
The Third ◽  
Breeding Herd ◽  
Farrowing Rate ◽  
Effect Of Age

Background: Gilts represent the largest category (18-20%) of female pigs in a breeding herd. Under field conditions, the amplitude of growth rate and age at the first mating of gilts are remarkably higher than the recommendations made by the genetic companies. There are several studies that have considered the management of these animals starting from their introduction to the herd till the mating. It has been noted that the genetic selection constantly promotes evolution that may change certain traits of these animals. However, there is a lack of the studies that evaluate the management strategies suitable for the modern sows. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of age and growth rate of gilts at the first mating on productive performance and retention rate until the third farrowing.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed in a gilt development unit (GDU) with a breeding stock capacity of 1000 females and a goal of 90 gilts mating per week. The groups were retrospectively created according to age (<210 d and ≥210 d) and the growth rate (GR; <700 g/d and ≥700 g/d) at the first mating with a 2 × 2 factorial design. A real-time ultrasound examination was performed at approximately 28 days after artificial insemination to detect pregnancy. Afterward, the productivity data over three parities of 703 females were collected and analyzed at 28 commercial farms of destination. The analyses were performed using SAS, with individual gilts as the experimental unit. The total number of piglets born and the age at the third parity were analyzed using the PROC MIXED. The number of estrus at breeding, weaning-to-estrus interval and the number of piglets in the previous farrowing were included as covariates in the model of total piglets born. The farrowing rate and retention rate until the third parity were considered as binary responses and analyzed using logistic regression (PROC GLIMMIX). The effects of age, GR, and their interaction were included as fixed effect in all analyses. There was no effect of age and GR and their interaction (P > 0.05) on farrowing rate after first, second, and third mating. The total number of piglets born in the three first farrowing and over three parities were not affected (P > 0.05) by the age and GR at first mating. The retention rate until the third farrowing of gilts inseminated with more than 210 days of age was approximately 7% greater than in the gilts mated younger; however, no statistical difference (P > 0.05) was detected. An effect of the age at the first mating was observed in the age to reach the third farrowing. Gilts mated with less than 210 and more than 210 days reached the third farrowing, respectively, at 604.5 ±1.9 and 625.1 ± 2.7 days of age (P < 0.001).Discussion: With a minimum GR of 550 g/d, 180 days of age, and at least 130 kg of weight, gilts are eligible to be inseminated without impairing their litter size, farrowing, and retention rate until the third parity. The gilts having modern genotypes can have a high stillbirth rate if bred with an excessive body weight. It is worth to consider that the gilts inseminated with > 700g/d did not present overweight in this study. The reproductive performance expressed by farrowing rate and piglets born and the longevity expressed by the retention rate from the first pregnancy until the third parturition were not impaired by the groups of age and GR in Large White × Landrace crossbred (Camborough 23®). In addition, gilts inseminated earlier than 210 days but having the minimum required weight resulted in less non-productive days for the breeding herd, which represents an important financial rate to the system.

scholarly journals Effect of re-mating intervals on growth and reproductive performance of rabbits

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-147
Author(s):  
BK Saha ◽  
MB Sarker ◽  
MH Alam ◽  
ME Kabir ◽  
MR Amin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Size At Birth

The aim of this study was to know the effects of postpartum re-mating intervals on reproductive performances of does and growth of kits. Fifteen female New Zealand White crossbred rabbits were divided into three groups of equal numbers. They were re-mated within 24 hours, at 10 days and 28 days postpartum. Animals were individually caged in cells measuring 2'×2'×2'. Does were kept under natural lighting. Plastic nest boxes were supplied to does 3-4 days before parturition. They were reared up to four generation. Litter weight at birth was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 10 days postpartum than within 24 hours and at 28 days postpartum intervals. Higher growth rate was observed in 10 days postpartum group comparing to other re-mating groups. Milk yield of the dams were significantly (p<0.05) higher when dam re-mated at 10 days postpartum than those re-mated within 24 hours after parturition. Conception rate, gestation length of does, litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at weaning, doe weight at mating, kidding, weaning and kid mortality did not differ significantly among the groups. Rabbit does re-mated at 10 days postpartum show maximum litter weight at birth, growth rate of kits and milk yield of dam.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i2.18497 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (2): 143-147

scholarly journals The Use of Vagina–Cervix Length Measurement in Evaluation of Future Reproductive Performance of Sows: A Preliminary Study under Commercial Conditions

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryszard Tuz ◽  
Tomasz Schwarz ◽  
Martyna Małopolska ◽  
Jacek Nowicki
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Distal Part ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Breeding Herd ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Anatomical Property ◽  
Total Life

The length of the distal part of the internal reproductive tract seems to be related to the length and capacity of uterine horns, which is the most important anatomical property influencing litter size in sows. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation in vagina–cervix length (VCL) in gilts and differences in reproductive performance of sows according to VCL. The study was performed in a commercial farm using 221 gilts introduced into the breeding herd. Females were divided into three groups: (S) short (26.0 ± 2.0 cm, n = 36), (M) medium (31.3 ± 1.46 cm; n = 121), and (L) long VCL (36.0 ± 1.4 cm; n = 42) (p < 0.01). Mean live weight of gilts did not differ significantly among groups. Mean first litter size significantly varied between groups S (10.47 ± 3.01) and L (11.98 ± 2.32) (p = 0.0075) and M (10.67 ± 2.98) and L (p = 0.0054), while there was no significant difference between group S and M. Significant advantage (p = 0.023) was noted in the number of litters obtained from sows in groups L (4.69 ± 3.14), M (3.67 ± 2.71), and S (3.36 ± 2.40), and thus in total life production of sows (p = 0.0054), i.e., the number of piglets born alive. To conclude, the differences in vagina–cervix length in gilts during the first service was associated with significant variability in litter size during the first reproductive cycle, giving an advantage to females with longer VCL. Gilts with longer VCL were culled later and gave significantly more litters. Consequently, their lifetime piglet production was greater than gilts with shorter VCL.

scholarly journals Effect of does parity order on litter homogeneity parameters

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Pollesel ◽  
Marco Tassinari ◽  
Andrea Frabetti ◽  
Daniela Fornasini ◽  
Damiano Cavallini
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Growth Rate ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Suckling Period ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Productive Potential ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Evaluation Parameters

Abstract Background: In rabbits reproductive performance, litter size and litter weight at birth, growth rate and mortality rate are the main factors that help to define the productive potential and they are influenced by the parity order. Birth weight represents a basic parameter in the management of a rabbit farm, because it is linked to mortality rate and weaning weight. Litter size affects the weight gained by suckling rabbits at weaning and it is connected with the chance of kits to find an available teat during the suckling period. For these reasons, it is of prime importance to study individual newborn and an intra-litter homogeneity parameters. This experimental study aimed to consider the litter homogeneity weight at birth, both within each litter and in the whole population, in order to suggest a proper litter homogenization practice.Results: The 1st and 6th parity order showed respectively the lowest and highest values in litter size, born-alives, litter weight, born-alives weight and homogeneity. These parameters decreased in greater parity order. Not significant effects on still-borns number and mortality rate were recorded. All these litter homogeneity evaluation parameters appeared interesting in describe differences between parity orders.Conclusions: The results of this research confirm that does parity order influences litter size and born-alives weight, but also the intra- and inter-litter homogenization. Litter homogenization is crucial to ensure proportionate share of milk, more equal growth and better productive performances. Based on these results we suggest equalizing primiparous with primiparous litters, and, consequently, the following parity orders among them.

Effect of premating shearing on reproductive performance in ewe lambs after oestrus synchronization

1991 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-138
Author(s):  
J. V. O'Doherty ◽  
T. F. Crosby
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lamb Growth

SUMMARYOne hundred and fifty-four, March-born, lowland ewe lambs, on the Lyons Estate farm, were allocated to a 2×2 factorial experiment. In September 1987, half were shorn and 1 month later the lambs were treated with intravaginal sponges, containing either 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate or 40 mg fluorogestone acetate, for 12 days. Following sponge removal, ewes were mated to fertile rams at a ram: ewe ratio of 1:6. There was no significant difference in reproductive performance between the two progestagen treatments (P > 0·05). Premating shearing increased (P < 0·01) conception rate and reduced the percentage of barren ewes (P < 0·01) but there was no effect on litter size. Time of gestation following shearing was increased (P < 0·01) by 1·24 days. Lamb growth rate up to weaning was not affected by the shearing treatment. The results of this trial indicate positive advantages of premating shearing of ewe lambs.

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