scholarly journals Predicting survival and longevity of sows using purebred and crossbred data1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 993-1005
Author(s):  
Maja W Iversen ◽  
Øyvind Nordbø ◽  
Eli Gjerlaug-Enger ◽  
Eli Grindflek ◽  
Theodorus H E Meuwissen

Abstract Survival and longevity are very important traits in pig breeding. From an economic standpoint, it is favorable to keep the sows for another parity instead of replacing them and, from the animal’s perspective, better welfare is achieved if they do not experience health problems. It is challenging to record longevity in purebred (PB) nucleus herds because animals are more likely to be replaced based on breeding value and high replacement rates rather than inability to produce. Crossbred (CB) sows are, however, submitted to lower replacement rates and are more likely to be kept in the farm longer if they can produce large and robust litters. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of CB phenotypes could improve prediction accuracy of longevity for PBs. In addition, a new definition of survival was investigated. The analyzed data included phenotypes from two PB dam lines and their F1 cross. Three traits were evaluated: 1) whether or not the sow got inseminated for a second litter within 85 d of first farrowing (Longevity 1–2), 2) how many litters the sow can produce within 570 d of first farrowing [Longevity 1–5 (LGY15)], and 3) a repeatability trait that indicates whether or not the sow survived until the next parity (Survival). Traits were evaluated both as the same across breeds and as different between breeds. Results indicated that longevity is not the same trait in PB and CB animals (low genetic correlation). In addition, there were differences between the two PB lines in terms of which trait definition gave the greatest prediction accuracy. The repeatability trait (Survival) gave the greatest prediction accuracy for breed B, but LGY15 gave the greatest prediction accuracy for breed A. Prediction accuracy for CBs was generally poor. The Survival trait is recorded earlier in life than LGY15 and seemed to give a greater prediction accuracy for young animals than LGY15 (until own phenotype was available). Thus, for selection of young animals for breeding, Survival would be the preferred trait definition. In addition, results indicated that lots of data were needed to get accurate estimates of breeding values and that, if CB performance is the breeding goal, CB phenotypes should be used in the genetic evaluation.

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Jeyaruban ◽  
Bruce Tier ◽  
David Johnston ◽  
Hans Graser

The advantages of using a univariate threshold animal model (TAM) over the conventional linear animal model (AM) in the development of a genetic evaluation system for feet and leg traits of Angus cattle were explored. The traits were scored on a scale of 1–9 with scores 5 and 6 being the most desirable. The genetic parameters and estimated breeding values for front feet angle (FA), rear feet angle (RA), front feet claw set (FC), rear feet claw set (RC), rear leg hind view (RH) and rear leg side view (RS) were compared from AM and TAM. In order to predict breeding values to identify the animals with intermediate optimum, the scores were categorised to form three groups to differentiate the desirable group (5–6) from the other two groups with less desirable feet and leg appearances (1–4 and 7–9). The AM and TAM were used to estimate genetic parameters for the grouped data as well as the original score data. A TAM using the group data was used to predict the probability and breeding value for the desirable intermediate group. For the original score data, estimated heritabilities on the underlying scale, using TAM, were 0.50, 0.46, 0.35, 0.44, 0.32 and 0.22 for FA, FC, RA, RC, RH and RS, respectively, and were 0.01–0.18 higher than the heritabilities estimated using AM. Genetic correlation between the six traits using a bivariate TAM with all scores ranged from 0.02 to 0.50 with front and rear angles had the highest genetic correlation at 0.50. For all six traits, proportion in the intermediate desirable group was higher than the other two groups combined. The low annual genetic change observed for all six traits over the 10 years of data recording reflected the lack of directional selection to improve the traits in Angus cattle. For genetic evaluation of feet and leg traits with an intermediate optimum, TAM is a preferred method for estimating genetic parameters and predicting breeding values for the desirable category. The TAM has now been implemented for regular estimated breeding value analysis of feet and leg traits of Angus cattle.


2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-625
Author(s):  
A. Ali ◽  
K. Javed ◽  
I. Zahoor ◽  
K.M. Anjum

Data on 2931 Kajli lambs, born from 2007 to 2018, were used to quantify environmental and genetic effects on growth performance of Kajli sheep. Traits considered for evaluation were birth weight (BWT), 120-day adjusted weight (120DWT), 180-day adjusted weight (180DWT), 270-day adjusted weight (270DWT), and 365-day adjusted weight (365DWT). Fixed effects of year of birth, season of birth, sex, birth type, and dam age on these traits were evaluated using linear procedures of SAS, 9.1. Similarly, BWT, 120DWT, 180DWT, and 270DWT were used as fixed effects mixed model analyses. Variance components, heritability and breeding values were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood. The genetic trend for each trait was obtained by regression of the estimated breeding values (EBV) on year of birth. Analyses revealed substantial influence of birth year on all traits. Sex and birth type were the significant sources of variation for BWT and 120DWT. Season of birth did not influence birth weight meaningfully, but had a significant role in the expression of 120DWT, 180DWT, and 270DWT. Heritability estimates were generally low (0.003 ± 0.018 to 0.099 ± 0.067) for all traits. With the exception of the genetic correlation of 180DWT and 365DWT, the genetic correlations between trait were strong and positive. Only 365DWT had a positive genetic trend. Although the heritability estimates for almost all weight traits were low, high and positive genetic correlations between BWT and other weight traits suggest that selection based on BWT would result in the improvement of other weight traits as a correlated response.Keywords: bodyweight, breeding value, genetic correlation, sheep


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett M See ◽  
Benny E Mote ◽  
Matthew L Spangler

Abstract Numerous methods have been suggested to incorporate crossbred (CB) phenotypes and genotypes into swine selection programs, yet little research has focused on the implicit trade-off decisions between generating data at the nucleus or commercial level. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of altering the proportion of purebred (PB) and CB phenotypes and genotypes in genetic evaluations on the response to selection of CB performance. Assuming CB and PB performance with moderate heritabilities (h2=0.4), a three-breed swine crossbreeding scheme was simulated and selection was practiced for six generations, where the goal was to increase CB performance. Phenotypes, genotypes, and pedigrees for three PB breeds (25 and 175 mating males and females for each breed, respectively), F1 crosses (400 mating females), and terminal cross progeny (2,500) were simulated. The genome consisted of 18 chromosomes with 1,800 quantitative trait loci and 72k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Selection was performed in PB breeds using estimated breeding value for each phenotyping/genotyping strategy. Strategies investigated were: 1) increasing the proportion of CB with genotypes, phenotypes, and sire pedigree relationships, 2) decreasing the proportion of PB phenotypes and genotypes, and 3) altering the genetic correlation between PB and CB performance (rpc). Each unique rpc scenario and data collection strategy was replicated 10 times. Results showed that including CB data improved the CB performance regardless of  rpc or data collection strategy compared with when no CB data were included. Compared with using only PB information, including 10% of CB progeny per generation with sire pedigrees and phenotypes increased the response in CB phenotype by 134%, 55%, 33%, 23%, and 21% when rpc was 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9, respectively. When the same 10% of CB progeny were also genotyped, CB performance increased by 243%, 54%, 38%, 23%, and 20% when the rpc was 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9, respectively, compared with when no CB data were utilized. Minimal change was observed in the average CB phenotype when PB phenotypes were included or proportionally removed when CB were genotyped. Removal of both PB phenotypes and genotypes when CB were genotyped greatly reduced the response in CB performance. In practice, the optimal inclusion rate of CB and PB data depends upon the genetic correlation between CB and PB animals and the expense of additional CB data collection compared with the economic benefit associated with increased CB performance.


1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 819
Author(s):  
K Meyer ◽  
HU Graser

Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained for a preweaning weight, recorded between 2 and 5 months after birth, and the subsequent gain till weaning for two herds in a selection experiment in Western Australia. Analyses were carried out both accounting for age at weighing and assuming birth dates and thus ages were unknown. On adjusting for the interval between weighings, preweaning gain appeared to be independent of age and equally heritable to weaning weight. Estimates of the direct genetic correlation between preweaning gain and weaning weight (adjusted for age) were 0.9 or higher, while both genetic and permanent environmental maternal correlations were close to unity. Implications for the use of preweaning weight as an alternative selection criterion to weaning weight when birth dates are not recorded are discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heydar Ghiasi ◽  
Majbritt Felleki

The present study explored the possibility of selection for uniformity of days from calving to first service (DFS) in dairy cattle. A double hierarchical generalised linear model with an iterative reweighted least-squares algorithm was used to estimate covariance components for the mean and dispersion of DFS. Data included the records of 27 113 Iranian Holstein cows (parity, 1–6) in 15 herds from 1981 to 2007. The estimated additive genetic variance for the mean and dispersion were 32.25 and 0.0139; both of these values had low standard errors. The genetic standard deviation for dispersion of DFS was 0.117, indicating that decreasing the estimated breeding value of dispersion by one genetic standard deviation can increase the uniformity by 12%. A strong positive genetic correlation (0.689) was obtained between the mean and dispersion of DFS. This genetic correlation is favourable since one of the aims of breeding is to simultaneously decrease the mean and increase the uniformity of DFS. The Spearman rank correlations between estimated breeding values in the mean and dispersion for sires with a different number of daughter observations were 0.907. In the studied population, the genetic trend in the mean of DFS was significant and favourable (–0.063 days/year), but the genetic trend in the dispersion of DFS was not significantly different from zero. The results obtained in the present study indicated that the mean and uniformity of DFS can simultaneously be improved in dairy cows.


Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 768
Author(s):  
Andreas Hoppe ◽  
Manuel Du ◽  
Richard Bernstein ◽  
Friedrich-Karl Tiesler ◽  
Martin Kärcher ◽  
...  

The Apis mellifera carnica subspecies of the honeybee has long been praised for its gentleness and good honey yield before systematic breeding efforts began in the early 20th century. However, before the introduction of modern techniques of genetic evaluation (best linear unbiased prediction, BLUP) and a computerized data management in the mid 1990s, genetic progress was slow. Here, the results of the official breeding value estimation in BeeBreed.eu are analyzed to characterize breeding progress and inbreeding. From about the year 2000 onward, the genetic progression accelerated and resulted in a considerable gain in honey yield and desirable properties without increased inbreeding coefficients. The prognostic quality of breeding values is demonstrated by a retrospective analysis. The success of A. m. carnica breeding shows the potential of BLUP-based breeding values and serves as an example for a large-scale breeding program.


2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
Stefano Biffani ◽  
Fabiola Canavesi ◽  
Maurizio Marusi

In January 2006, ANAFI (Italian Holstein Breeders Association) introduced a genetic evaluation for fertility based on a multiple-trait animal model (Biffani et al., 2005), which included the following traits: days from calving to first insemination (DTFS), calving interval (CI), first-service non return rate to 56 d (NR56), angularity (ANG) and mature equivalent milk yield at 305 d (ME305). Breeding values have been subsequently combined in an aggregate index (T), with the breeding goal to increase conception rate (CR). This paper will show how the breeding values have been combined into an aggregate index. At the same time the efficiency of selecting on alternative aggregate indexes versus the official aggregate index is presented.


Author(s):  
P. M. Lowrie ◽  
W. S. Tyler

The importance of examining stained 1 to 2μ plastic sections by light microscopy has long been recognized, both for increased definition of many histologic features and for selection of specimen samples to be used in ultrastructural studies. Selection of specimens with specific orien ation relative to anatomical structures becomes of critical importance in ultrastructural investigations of organs such as the lung. The uantity of blocks necessary to locate special areas of interest by random sampling is large, however, and the method is lacking in precision. Several methods have been described for selection of specific areas for electron microscopy using light microscopic evaluation of paraffin, epoxy-infiltrated, or epoxy-embedded large blocks from which thick sections were cut. Selected areas from these thick sections were subsequently removed and re-embedded or attached to blank precasted blocks and resectioned for transmission electron microscopy (TEM).


Author(s):  
N.V. SIVKIN ◽  
N.V. STREKOZOV ◽  
V.I. CHINAROV

В симментальской породе предусматривается разведение скота, сбалансировано сочетающего молочную и мясную продуктивность. Однако в практике совершенствования племенных стад в подборах быков доминируют улучшатели удоя, что во многом предопределяет результаты селекции и продуктивный тип животных. Объектом нашего исследования стало стадо чистопородного симментальского скота в условиях стойловой системы беспривязного и привязного содержания коров. Для изучения эффективности использования быков-производителей разного племенного достоинства сформировали 2 опытные группы: I состояла из бычков, полученных от отцов с племенной ценностью (ПЦ) по удою 100 кг и более, а во II с ПЦ от 0 до 100 кг молока. Симментальские бычки, отобранные для контрольного убоя, достигали весовых кондиций 500 кг и более в 17,5 мес при среднесуточном приросте 911 г. При использовании на маточном поголовье быков-производителей с улучшающим эффектом по удою 100 кг и более, их сыновья (I группа), на фоне более высоких суточных приростов (на 30 г) и раннем возрасте достижения живой массы 500 кг (на 18 дней) имели массу и выход туши на 21,4 кг и 2,7 ниже, чем у бычков II группы. При формировании молочно-мясного типа быки-производители с умеренной племенной ценностью по удою обеспечивали получение потомства, сочетающего молочную и мясную продуктивность в экономически значимых пропорциях.The Simmental breed provides for the breeding of cattle that combines milk and meat productivity in a balanced proportion. However, in the practice of improving breeding herds, the selection of bulls is dominated by milk yield improvers, which largely determines the results of selection and the productive type of animals. The object of our research was a breeding herd of purebred Simmental cattle in variety feeding and housing practices. To study the effectiveness of using bulls-producers of different breeding values, 2 experimental groups were formed: I consisted of bulls received from fathers with a breeding value (BV) of milk yield 100 kg or more, and II with a BV from 0 to 100 kg of milk. Simmental bulls selected for control slaughter reached weight standards of 500 kg or more in 17.5 months with an average daily increase of 911 g. When used on breeding of bulls with an improving effect on the yield of 100 kg or more, their sons (group I), against the background of higher daily gains (30 g) and an early age of reaching a live weight of 500 kg (18 days), had a mass and carcass yield of 21.4 kg and 2.7 lower than that of group II bulls. When forming a dairy-meat type, producing bulls with a moderate breeding value for milk yield provided for the production of offspring that combined dairy and meat productivity in economically significant proportions.


Author(s):  
Maria Ciaramella ◽  
Nadia Monacelli ◽  
Livia Concetta Eugenia Cocimano

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to contribute to a better and more focused understanding of the link between the concept of resilience and psychosocial interventions in the migrant population. The research questions concerned the type of population involved, definition of resilience, methodological choices and which intervention programmes were targeted at migrants. In the 90 articles included, an heterogeneity in defining resilience or not well specified definition resulted. Different migratory experiences were not adequately considered in the selection of participants. Few resilience interventions on migrants were resulted. A lack of procedure’s descriptions that keep in account specific migrants’ life-experiences and efficacy’s measures were highlighted.


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