scholarly journals PSV-36 The impact of selection using residual average daily gain and marbling EPDs on growth performance and carcass traits in angus steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 340-341
Author(s):  
Taylor Krause ◽  
Edward Moore ◽  
Jason Duggin ◽  
Jacob Segers ◽  
T Dean Pringle
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Breeding Lines ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Quality Grade ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract This study compared growth performance, feed efficiency, body composition, and carcass characteristics in Angus steers (n = 321) from bulls divergently selected for feed efficiency and marbling. Angus sires were selected based on high (10th percentile or better) and low (85th percentile or worse) residual ADG (RADG) EPD as well as high (5th percentile or better) and average (near 50th percentile) marbling (MARB) EPD. These criteria resulted in a 2x2 factorial design with four breeding lines: high RADG/high MARB, high RADG/average MARB, low RADG/high MARB, low RADG/average MARB. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with RADG and MARB as main effects. Ultrasound and carcass data revealed no differences (P ≥ 0.12) in 12th rib backfat thickness from weaning through slaughter for the RADG EPD groups. At the beginning and the end of the feeding trial, the high RADG (P ≤ 0.02) group had larger ultrasound ribeye area than the low RADG group. During the feedlot trial and through slaughter, BW was heavier (P ≤ 0.006) for the high versus low RADG steers but did not differ (P ≥ 0.44) across MARB EPD. Feed efficiency measures did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB groups apart from the tendency (P = 0.08) for residual feed intake to be lower in the high versus low RADG steers. Marbling scores differed (P ≤ 0.04) across RADG and MARB groups with the low RADG steers and the high MARB steers having improved marbling. The quality grade distribution across MARB EPD revealed that the average MARB steers graded 73% Choice and 25% Prime while the high MARB steers graded 56% and 42%, respectively. Slice shear force did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB EPD. These results suggest that selection using RADG EPD has negligible impacts on meat quality; moreover, they show that progress in selection for efficiency can be accomplished while advancing carcass quality and value.

scholarly journals The Impact of Selection using Residual Average Daily Gain and Marbling EPDs on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits in Angus Steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Krause ◽  
E. R. Moore ◽  
J. Duggin ◽  
J. R. Segers ◽  
T. D. Pringle
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Carcass Merit ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Gain

ObjectivesProfitability in the beef industry has narrow margins regulated by revenue from output traits like growth and carcass merit, but profitability is also largely impacted by input expenses like feed costs. Selecting for improvements in feed efficiency during the finishing phase, one of the most feed intensive segments of the industry, can help to mitigate those input costs. This study compared growth performance, feed efficiency, body composition, and carcass characteristics in Angus steers (n = 321) from bulls divergently selected for feed efficiency and marbling.Materials and MethodsAngus sires were selected based on high (10th percentile or better) and low (85th percentile or worse) residual average daily gain (RADG) EPD as well as high (fifth percentile or better) and average (near 50th percentile) marbling (MARB) EPD. These criteria resulted in a 2 × 2 factorial design with four breeding lines: high RADG/high MARB, high RADG/average MARB, low RADG/high MARB, low RADG/average MARB. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with RADG and MARB as main effects. Significance was set at α = 0.05. Generation was also analyzed, where generation one (GEN1) steers were from a selected sire while generation two (GEN2) steers were from a selected sire and a selected dam.ResultsUltrasound and carcass data revealed no differences (P ≥ 0.12) in 12th rib backfat thickness from weaning through slaughter for the RADG EPD groups. Yield grade and dressing percent did not differ (P ≥ 0.56) across RADG or MARB groups. At the beginning and end of the feeding trial, the high RADG (P ≤ 0.02) group had larger ultrasound ribeye area (REA) than the low RADG group. Carcass REA tended (P = 0.08) to be larger in the high versus low RADG steers. During the feedlot trial and through slaughter, body weight was heavier (P ≤ 0.006) for the high versus low RADG steers but did not differ (P ≥ 0.44) across MARB EPD. Feed efficiency measures did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB groups apart from the tendency (P = 0.08) for residual feed intake to be lower in the high versus low RADG steers. Marbling scores differed (P ≤ 0.04) across RADG and MARB groups with the low RADG steers and the high MARB steers having improved marbling. The quality grade distribution across MARB EPD revealed that the average MARB steers graded 73% Choice and 25% Prime while the high MARB steers graded 56% and 42%, respectively. Slice shear force did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB EPD. Body weights tended (P = 0.06) to be heavier at the start of the feeding trial for GEN1 versus GEN2 steers. Total gain, average daily gain, and feed to gain (F:G) differed by generation (P ≤ 0.007) with increased rates of gain and reduced F:G in the GEN2 versus GEN1 steers. Body weights did not differ (P = 0.72) across GEN at the end of the feeding trial. Backfat thickness at the start and end of the feedlot phase was less (P ≤ 0.03) and marbling score was improved (P = 0.02) in the GEN2 versus GEN1 steers, respectively.ConclusionThese results suggest that selection using RADG EPD has negligible impacts on meat quality; and that progress in selection for efficiency can be achieved while advancing carcass quality and value. Furthermore, continued divergent selection for feed efficiency and marbling has the potential to improve feed efficiency through advancements in the rate of gain, while enhancing carcass merit through marbling.

scholarly journals Effects of restricted feeding and re-alimentation of dietary protein or energy on compensatory growth of sheep

1970 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-396
Author(s):  
W. Addah ◽  
A. Ayantunde ◽  
E.K. Okine
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Eating Quality ◽  
Nutrient Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Daily Gain

The study investigated the effects of re-alimenting dietary protein or energy on growth, carcass characteristics and meat eating quality parameters of sheep. Twenty-seven intact rams (~9 months; 11.3 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was fed a maintenance diet (MT) containing, on dry matter (DM) basis, 105 g/kg crude protein (CP) and 8.4 MJ/kg DM metabolizable energy (ME) for 30 days. Thereafter, they were continually fed the same MT or re-alimented with a high protein diet (HP) containing 169 g/kg DM CP and 9.3 MJ/kg ME or a high energy diet (HE) containing 123 g/kg DM CP and 10.6 MJ/kg ME for an additional 30 days to determine the effects of re-alimentation of protein or energy on their growth performance and carcass characteristics. During the initial 30-day period, DM intake (DMI) and growth performance were similar among the three groups. However, upon re-alimentation, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency of sheep re-alimented with HP were greater than those maintained continually on MT or re-alimented with HE. Sheep on HP had higher feed efficiency, ADG and heavier carcasses than those fed MT or re-alimented with HE during the whole 60-day period. Growth of most viscera was less responsive to the restriction-re-alimentation feeding regimen except for the weights of the lungs, heart and intestines. Meat from sheep re-alimented with HE had a more intense ‘sheepy’ flavour than those fed MT or re-alimented with HP, but juiciness and tenderness were not affected. The higher ADG of sheep re-alimented with protein may be related more to enhanced efficiency of feed utilization than to higher DMI.Keywords: average daily gain, feed restriction, nutrient utilization efficiency, visceral organs

scholarly journals PSIV-20 Impact of OutPace® Feed Additive on nursery pig growth performance: A meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 175-176
Author(s):  
Benjamin Bass ◽  
Stacie Crowder ◽  
Terry Weeden ◽  
Murali Raghavendra Rao ◽  
Brenda de Rodas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract OutPace® Feed Additive (OP), contains a carefully researched blend of activated medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs; PMI, Arden Hills, MN), formulated to help mitigate the effects of stress in nursery pigs. Several studies using OP in both late and full nursery periods resulted in improved pig performance. A meta-analysis using 9 studies (4 studies during late nursery [15 to 26.8 kg BW] and 5 studies during the full nursery [5.9 to 25.4 kg]) was done to determine the impact of OP (included at 0.25% Phase 1 and 2; 0.125% Phase 3) on average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion. The combined data was considered a randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance was completed with mixed models using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) and least squares means were compared using Fisher’s least significant difference (P < 0.05). In the analysis of 5 studies conducted in late nursery (45 pens/treatment of 6 to 20 pigs/pen), pigs provided OP had higher average daily gain (0.67 vs 0.63 kg/d; P < 0.05), increased average daily feed intake (0.99 vs 0.97 kg/d; P < 0.05), and improved feed efficiency (0.67 vs 0.65 kg gain/kg feed intake; P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed control diets. Additionally, when pigs were provided OP throughout the nursery period (20 pens/treatment of 7 to 20 pigs/pen), average daily gain was increased 6.1% (0.48 vs 0.45 kg/d; P < 0.05), average daily feed intake tended to be increased 2.2% (0.62 vs 0.61 kg/d; P < 0.1), and feed efficiency was improved 2.7% (0.76 vs 0.74 kg gain/kg feed intake; P < 0.05) compared to pigs provided control diets. In conclusion, providing OP to pigs during the nursery period improved ADG and feed efficiency.

scholarly journals Relationship between weaning age and antibiotic usage on pig growth performance and mortality

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamil E G Faccin ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
Matthew W Allerson ◽  
Jason C Woodworth ◽  
Joel M DeRouchey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Pig Performance ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Porcine Respiratory

Abstract A total of 2,184 pigs (DNA 600 × PIC L42) were used to evaluate the effects of weaning age and antibiotic (AB) use on pig performance from weaning to marketing in a commercial production system. Experimental treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with main effects of weaning age (18.5, 21.5, or 24.5 d of age) and with the use of ABs or an antibiotic-free (NAE) program. At birth, pigs were ear tagged, and the date of birth and sex recorded. Pigs were weaned from a 4,000-sow farm over four consecutive weeks. Four weaning batches (one per week) of 546 pigs were used. Each weaning batch had one-third of pigs of each weaning age. Pigs were placed in pens by weaning age and then randomly assigned to an AB or NAE program. There were 14 replicate pens per treatment and 26 pigs per pen (13 barrows and 13 gilts). Pigs allocated to the AB program were fed a diet containing 441 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC) from day 8 to 21 postweaning. They were also administered 22 mg/kg of body weight (BW) of CTC via drinking water for five consecutive days after a porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome outbreak during week 7 after weaning. In the first 42 d postweaning, increasing weaning age improved (linear, P < 0.001) BW at day 42, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). From weaning to 197 d of age, increasing weaning age increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG and ADFI. Pigs on the AB program had greater (P = 0.031) ADG and ADFI compared with NAE pigs. An interaction (linear, P = 0.005) was observed for feed efficiency (G:F). When ABs were provided, increasing weaning age did not result in any change in G:F; however, in the NAE program, increasing weaning age increased G:F. Pigs on the AB program had lower (P < 0.001) total losses (mortality and removals) than those on the NAE program. Increasing weaning age marginally (linear, P = 0.097) decreased total losses. Increasing weaning age decreased (quadratic, P < 0.001) the number of pigs treated with an injectable AB but the AB program did not (P = 0.238). The weight sold (at 197 d of age) per pig weaned was increased (linear, P = 0.050) by increasing weaning age and by using AB in feed and water (P = 0.019). In summary, increasing weaning age linearly improved most of the pig performance criteria and relatively the short-term use of ABs reduced mortality and removals with both factors contributing to increased weight sold per pig weaned.

scholarly journals The impact of selection using residual average daily gain and marbling EPDs on growth, performance, and carcass traits in Angus steers1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 2450-2459
Author(s):  
Rachael A Detweiler ◽  
T Dean Pringle ◽  
Romdhane Rekaya ◽  
Jonathan B Wells ◽  
Jacob R Segers
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Gain

Nano selenium improves humoral immunity, growth performance and breast-muscle selenium concentration of broiler chickens

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (16) ◽  
pp. 1902
Author(s):  
Esmail Mohammadi ◽  
Hossein Janmohammadi ◽  
Majid Olyayee ◽  
Javad Ashrafi Helan ◽  
Somayeh Kalanaky
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Humoral Immunity ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Sodium Selenite ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Breast Muscle ◽  
Breast Meat ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Gain

Context Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and plays pivotal roles in poultry nutrition. Aims The present study was designed to compare the impact of dietary supplementation of different sources of Se on growth performance, Se concentration of breast meat, and immune response of broiler chickens. Methods In total, 300 1-day-old as hatched broilers were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments, with five replicates of 10 birds per each. The experimental diets were as follows: (1) corn–soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0.30 mg/kg of sodium selenite, (2) basal diet supplemented with 0.30 mg/kg of Se-enriched yeast, and (3–6) basal diet supplemented with 0.15, 0.30, 0.90 and 1.50 mg/kg of nano-Se respectively. Humoral immunity was assessed by antibody titer against a 5% sheep red blood-cell suspension and cellular immunity was measured by administration of phytohaemagglutinin-p at 38 days. Key results Results indicated that during the periods from 1 to 10 days, from 11 to 24 days, from 25 to 42 days and from 1 to 42 days, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio did not differ among the treatments (P > 0.05). Assessment of orthogonal contrasts at the whole phase of feeding showed that the average daily gain in the broilers fed organic Se was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in those fed inorganic Se, as well as nano-Se in comparison to organic Se; such effects were not observed in earlier feeding stages. Se supplementation significantly increased the Se concentration of breast muscle (P < 0.0001). The birds that received 1.50 mg/kg of diet nano-Se showed higher (P < 0.05) total immunoglobulin and IgG titers in primary and secondary immune responses against sheep erythrocytes respectively. Toe web swelling after 24 h and 48 h of receiving phytohaemagglutinin-p was not affected by Se supplementation (P > 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, the addition of nano-Se gave better results than did inorganic (sodium selenite) and organic (yeast selenium) forms of Se in performance traits, breast meat Se concentration and antibody response of broilers. Implications Novel elemental nanometer particulates, including nano-Se, exhibit new characteristics and a different mode of actions in comparison with organic and inorganic forms of Se sources in poultry diets. Inclusion of the nano form of Se in broiler diets and study of productive performance, immunity responses and meat quality leads to improve balanced broiler diets formulation in view of Se.

scholarly journals Effect of feeding dry-rolled corn or whole shelled corn during the finishing phase on growth performance and carcass characteristics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
T B Freitas ◽  
T L Felix ◽  
C Clark ◽  
F L Fluharty ◽  
A E Relling
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Quality Grade

Abstract The objectives of this trial were to evaluate the effect of corn processing during the finishing phase on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics. We hypothesized that steers fed dry-rolled corn would have better feed efficiency (less feed necessary to the same amount of gain) than steers fed whole shelled corn. Ninety-five backgrounded Angus-cross cattle, (initial body weight (BW) = 263 ± 9.8 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design in a feedlot setting. Cattle were divided in to 3 blocks: heifers (n = 31, 4 pens; initial BW = 267 ± 1.3 kg), light steers (n = 32, 4 pens; initial BW = 253 ± 1.3 kg), and heavy steers (n = 32, 4 pens; initial BW = 279 ± 1.4 kg). Diets contained 70% corn (experimental treatment), 15% dried distiller’s grains with solubles, 7% grass hay, and 8% supplement, on a dry matter basis. Cattle were fed for 217, 224, and 231 ± 8 d for the heifer, heavy steer, and light steer blocks, respectively. Two pens within each block were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 1) dry-rolled corn (DRC) or 2) whole shelled corn (WSC). Animal growth performance and carcass characteristics were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, including the fixed effect of treatment. Pen and block were included as random effects. Carcass characteristics USDA Yield Grade and Quality Grade distributions were compared using the GLIMMIX procedure of using the same model than the growth performance data. Data are presented as LSMeans. Cattle fed DRC had greater average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.02) and final BW (P < 0.01) when compared with cattle fed WSC. Even though ADG was greater for the DRC treatment, feed efficiency was similar (P = 0.45) because dry matter intake (DMI) was also greater (P = 0.04) for DRC when compared with the WSC treatment. Cattle fed DRC also had greater hot carcass weight (P < 0.01), dressing percentage (P < 0.01), and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA; P < 0.01) than cattle fed WSC. No differences (P ≥ 0.18) were observed for marbling score, USDA Yield Grade or USDA Quality Grade. In conclusion, feeding DRC to feedlot cattle improved ADG, hot carcass weight, and LMA, without affecting feed efficiency or meat quality.

MASS SELECTION FOR POSTWEANING GROWTH IN SWINE. III. CORRELATED RESPONSE IN WEANING WEIGHT AND FEED EFFICIENCY TO RECURRENT SELECTION FOR POSTWEANING AVERAGE DAILY GAIN IN SWINE

1973 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-178
Author(s):  
G. W. RAHNEFELD
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Mass Selection ◽  
Total Response ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Daily Gain

Correlated response in weaning weight and feed efficiency were estimated for a genetically variable population of swine selected during nine generations for postweaning average daily gain. Total response in weaning weight to direct selection for gain was 0.03 kg per generation. This was 3.1% of the predicted response. The estimate of genetic correlation between postweaning average daily gain and weaning weight was found high and positive (> 1). Total response in feed efficiency to direct selection for gain was −0.58 kg per generation. This was 10% of the predicted response. The estimate of genetic correlation between postweaning gain and feed efficiency was −0.35.

scholarly journals Effect of inclusion rate of silage with or without alpha-amylase trait on finishing steer growth performance, carcass characteristics, and agronomic efficiency measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 942-949
Author(s):  
Warren C Rusche ◽  
Julie A Walker ◽  
Zachary K Smith
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Alpha Amylase ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Agronomic Efficiency ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Inclusion Rate ◽  
Rate Interaction ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract One hundred ninety-two Continental × British steers [initial body weight (BW) = 420 kg (standard deviation = 24.7)] were used in a randomized complete block design finishing study to evaluate the effects of feeding two types of silage germplasm at two inclusion rates. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with either a conventional hybrid (Golden Harvest G07B39-311A, Syngenta Seeds LLC, Minnetonka, MN; CON) or a hybrid with increased expression of alpha-amylase (Syngenta Enogen Feed corn, Golden Harvest E107B3-3011A-EVT5, Syngenta Seeds, LLC; ENO) fed at either 12% (12SIL) or 24% (24SIL) of diet dry matter. Steers were blocked by source and location (source 1: first three pen replicates, n = 10 steers per pen with a fourth pen replicate of six steers per pen; source 2: one pen replicate, n = 12 steers per pen) and assigned randomly within block to treatments, resulting in five pens and 48 steers per treatment. Steers were harvested after 126 (12SIL) or 140 (24SIL) days on feed (DOF). There were no silage hybrid by inclusion rate interactions detected for live growth performance (P ≥ 0.15). Silage hybrid did not affect average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), or final BW (FBW; P ≥ 0.35). Feeding 24% silage reduced ADG (P = 0.04) and increased G:F (P = 0.01) but increased FBW (P = 0.02) because of greater DOF compared with 12SIL. A hybrid by inclusion rate interaction was detected (P = 0.04) for calculated yield grade (YG) with steers fed 24SIL having increased YG within CON but not ENO. Hot carcass weight and rib fat were unaffected by silage hybrid (P ≥ 0.81) but were increased by feeding 24SIL (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Feeding increased amounts of silage increased beef produced per hectare (P = 0.05). Source of silage did not affect feedlot growth performance of cattle but, because of slight differences in estimated silage yield, conventional silage produced more kilograms of beef per hectare (P < 0.01). Feeding increased amounts of silage reduced G:F on both a live and carcass-adjusted basis but increased kilograms of beef produced per unit of land, which is paramount to cattle feeders who grow their own feedstuffs.

scholarly journals Performance and risk factors associated with first antibiotic treatment in two herds, raising pigs without antibiotics

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Lynegaard ◽  
I. Larsen ◽  
C. F. Hansen ◽  
J. P. Nielsen ◽  
C. Amdi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Production Animals ◽  
Zoonotic Bacteria ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Background Antibiotic (AB) consumption in production animals has a high awareness among politicians and consumers due to the risk of selection for AB resistance among potentially zoonotic bacteria. However, AB treatment of animals is at times necessary to treat diseases and ensure the wellbeing of the animals we take into our care. Raised without antibiotics (RWA) is a concept where pigs are individually ear-tagged for tracking, and if pigs are AB treated, they lose their RWA status. At slaughter, the farmer receives an additional price for non-AB treated pigs. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for AB treatment and to investigate growth performance of pigs in two Danish RWA herds. Results A total of 518 pigs in herd A and 436 pigs in herd B, were individually ear-tagged and subjected to weekly investigations of AB treatment status from birth to 12 weeks of age. Bodyweight was recorded at birth, 2, 4 and 12 weeks of age. The results showed, that at 12 weeks of age, 82 of 518 liveborn pigs were AB treated in herd A and 31 of 436 liveborn pigs were AB treated in herd B. Individual pigs that required AB treatment had a reduced average daily gain from day 0 to 28 in both herds (herd A, P <  0.001; herd B, P = 0.062) and from day 0 to 84 in herd A (P <  0.001). Additionally, significant risk factors for AB treatment were identified as a low bodyweight in herd A, whereas barrows and litters with less than 19 piglets were the main risk factors in herd B. Conclusion The results suggests that in order to reduce AB treatments particular attention should be addressed to smaller pigs and barrows in RWA herds. In these two Danish RWA herds from this study it was possible for 64 and 68% pigs to reach 12 weeks of life without any AB treatments.

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