scholarly journals Genetic Analysis of Feet and Leg Conformation and Proportion of Crushed Piglets in Austrian Large White and Landrace Sows

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1213-1219
Author(s):  
Christina Pfeiffer ◽  
Birgit Fuerst-Waltl ◽  
Katharina Schodl ◽  
Peter Knapp
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Large White ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Almost All

Selection for feet and leg traits can increase longevity as well as several performance traits in sows. Moreover, good feet and leg quality contributes improving animal welfare not only for sows, but also for piglets. Sows with feet and leg problems have a higher risk of crushing their piglets when lying down. Therefore, a feet and leg scoring scheme was derived and applied by trained assessors. Furthermore, piglet mortality rate by crushing was recorded. Genetic parameters as well as breeding values were estimated and the effect of the traits on piglet mortality rate by crushing was investigated. Data of 993 Large White and 299 Landrace sows of 23 nucleus farms were analyzed. Heritabilities ranged from 0.03 to 0.16 for piglet mortality rate by crushing and pastern fore legs. Some genetic correlations between feet and leg traits were significantly highly correlated (0.69 to 0.79). Sows with favorable scores for almost all feet and leg scores had higher estimated breeding values for piglet mortality rate. Higher values indicate less crushed piglets and are thus favorable. An introduction of a feet and leg scoring scheme into routine genetic evaluation may thus contribute to animal welfare improvement for sows and piglets.

129 Genomic Relationship Between PRRSV Wild-type Infection and PRRSV Vaccination for Antibody Response and Reproductive Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 18-18
Author(s):  
Leticia P Sanglard ◽  
Felipe Hickmann ◽  
Yijian Huang ◽  
Kent A Gray ◽  
Daniel Linhares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Response ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Respiratory Syndrome Virus ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Large White ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Indicator Trait ◽  
Type Infection

Abstract Immunoglobulin G antibody response, measured as sample-to-positive (S/P) ratio, to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been proposed as an indicator trait for improved reproductive performance in PRRSV-infected purebred sows and PRRSV-vaccinated crossbred gilts. In this study, we investigated the genetic correlations (rg) of S/P ratio following a PRRSV outbreak and PRRSV-vaccination with performance in non-exposed and PRRSV-exposed sows. PRRSV outbreak phase was defined based on previously described methodologies after the detection of typical clinical signs of PRRSV infection. 541 Landrace sows had S/P ratio measured at ~54 days after the beginning of the PRRSV outbreak (S/Poutbreak), and 906 Landrace x Large White naïve F1 gilts had S/P ratio measured at ~50 days after vaccination with a commercial modified live PRRSV vaccine (S/PVx). 711 and 428 Landrace sows had reproductive performance recorded before and during the PRRSV outbreak, respectively. 811 vaccinated F1 animals had farrowing performance for up to 3 parities. All animals were genotyped for ~28K SNPs. The estimate of rg of S/Poutbreakwith S/PVx was high (rg±SE = 0.72±0.18). Estimates of rg of S/Poutbreak with reproductive performance in F1 sows were low to moderate, ranging from 0.05±0.23 (number stillborn) to 0.30±0.20 (total number born). Estimates of rg of S/PVxwith reproductive performance in non-infected purebred sows were moderate and favorable with number born alive (0.50±0.23), but low (0 to -0.11±0.23) with litter mortality traits. Estimates of rg of S/PVx were moderate and negative (-0.47±0.18) with the number of mummies in PRRSV-infected purebred sows and low with other traits (-0.29±0.18 for total number born to 0.05±0.18 for number stillborn). These results indicate that selection for antibody response following a PRRSV outbreak collected in purebred sows and to PRRSV vaccination collected in commercial crossbred gilts may increase litter size of non-infected and PRRSV-exposed purebred and commercial crossbred sows.

scholarly journals Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Peak Yield, Yield and Persistency Traits in Murciano-Granadina Goats Using Multi-Traits Models

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 411
Author(s):  
Judith C. Miranda ◽  
José M. León ◽  
Camillo Pieramati ◽  
Mayra M. Gómez ◽  
Jesús Valdés ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Multiple Trait ◽  
Lactation Curve ◽  
Derivative Free ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values ◽  
Estimation Of Genetic Parameters

This paper studies parameters of a lactation curve such as peak yield (PY) and persistency (P), which do not conform to the usual selection criteria in the Murciano-Granadina (MG) breed, but are considered to be an alternative to benefit animal welfare without reducing production. Using 315,663 production records (of 122,883 animals) over a period of 24 years (1990–2014), genetic parameters were estimated with uni-, bi- and multivariate analysis using multiple trait derivative free restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML). The heritability (h2)/repeatability (re) of PY, yield (Y) and P was estimated as 0.13/0.19, 0.16/0.25 and 0.08/0.09 with the uni-trait and h2 of bi- and multi-traits analysis ranging from 0.16 to 0.17 of Y, while that of PY and Y remained constant. Genetic correlations were high between PY–Y (0.94 ± 0.011) but low between PY–P (–0.16 ± 0.054 to –0.17 ± 0.054) and between Y–P (–0.06 ± 0.058 to –0.05 ± 0.058). Estimates of h2/re were low to intermediate. The selection for Y–PY or both can be implemented given the genetic correlation between these traits. PY–P and Y–P showed low to negligible correlation values indicating that if these traits are implemented in the early stages of evaluation, they would not be to the detriment of PY–Y. The combination of estimated breeding values (EBVs) for all traits would be a good criterion for selection.

Indices of cellular development in muscles of lambs are influenced by sire estimated breeding values and pastoral nutritional system

2006 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 651 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. Greenwood ◽  
G. E. Gardner ◽  
R. S. Hegarty
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Semitendinosus Muscle ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Sire Group ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values

This study examined influences of sire (n = 9) estimated breeding values (EBVs), sire-group (Muscle, Growth, and Control), and nutrition (low and high quality and availability pasture) from birth to slaughter at ~8 months of age on indices of muscle cellularity and transcriptional and translational capacity in 56 castrate lambs. Effects of nutritional systems to 8 months of age were greater, overall, than those due to EBVs or sire-group. Amount of DNA increased with increasing EBV for post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD or Muscle EBV) in longissimus but not in semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles, while Muscle EBV also had an inverse association with concentration of DNA. Protein to DNA and RNA to DNA were related positively to Muscle EBV, the associations being strongest for the semitendinosus muscle. Post-weaning weight (PWWT or Growth) EBV correlated positively with the RNA to DNA ratio and, among high but not low nutrition lambs, was inversely related to concentration of muscle DNA, whereas post-weaning fat depth (PFAT or Fat) EBV was correlated positively with RNA concentration. Overall, the magnitude of effects of sire-group was less than for sire EBVs, presumably due to differing selection pressures for muscling, fatness, and growth. High nutrition lambs had more protein to DNA than low nutrition lambs in the longissimus and semitendinosus muscles, but not in the semimembranosus muscle. In low compared with high nutrition lambs, concentration of DNA was greater in the longissimus and semitendinosus muscles. Total amount of DNA was reduced by more in low compared with high nutrition in the longissimus and semimembranosus than in the semitendinosus, and amount of protein was reduced by more in low compared with high nutrition in the longissimus than in the other two muscles. We conclude that genetic selection for eye muscle depth in sheep has differing effects on cellular characteristics of the longissimus, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles, and has greater effects on muscle cellular characteristics than genetic selection for post-weaning weight or fat depth.

Genetic associations between mature size and condition score of Nelore cows, and weight, subjective scores and carcass traits as yearlings

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viviane V. de Lacerda ◽  
Gabriel S. Campos ◽  
Daniel D. Silveira ◽  
Vanerlei M. Roso ◽  
Mario L. Santana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Mature Size

The size and body condition of female livestock is critical for improving production efficiency. However, we know little about how height and body condition score in mature beef cattle are genetically related to traits observed when the animals are younger. In the present study, we used data from 321650 Nelore cattle, first, to compare genetic parameters and breeding values on the basis of different models employing weight (MW), height (MH) and body condition score (BCS) of mature cows (3–17 years old). Next, we estimated the genetic correlations between the three traits and assorted yearling traits (YW, weight; YC; conformation score; YP, precocity score; YM, muscling score; YN, navel score; LMA, longissimus muscle area; BF, back fat thickness). Finally, we obtained the expected direct responses to selection for MW, MH and BCS of cows and correlated responses for these traits when the selection was applied to yearling traits. For MW and MH, single-trait Bayesian analyses were used to evaluate the effects of including BCS when defining contemporary groups (BCS included, CG1; BCS not included, CG2). For BCS trait, linear and threshold animal models were compared. After, bi-trait analyses that included MW, MH or BCS with yearling traits were performed. The CG1 scenario resulted in a higher heritability for MW (0.45 ± 0.02) than did CG2 (0.39 ± 0.02). Both scenarios yielded the same heritability estimates for MH (0.35 ± 0.02). Sires’ rank correlations between predicted breeding values under CG1 and CG2 were 0.60–0.92 for MW and 0.90–0.98 for MH, considering different selection intensities. Thus, only for MW genetic evaluations, the incorporation of BCS in the definition of the contemporary groups is indicated. For BCS trait, the same sires were selected regardless of the model (linear or threshold). Genetic correlations between MW and five yearling traits (YW, YC, YP, YM and YN) ranged from 0.18 ± 0.03 to 0.84 ± 0.01. The MH had a higher and positive genetic association with YW (0.64 ± 0.02) and YC (0.54 ± 0.03), than with YN (0.18 ± 0.03). However, MH was negatively and lowly genetically correlated with YP (–0.08 ± 0.03) and YM (–0.14 ± 0.03). The BCS had positive genetic associations with all yearling traits, particularly with YP (0.61 ± 0.06) and YM (0.60 ± 0.07). Mature size and carcass traits exhibited a low to moderate negative genetic correlations. However, BCS had positive genetic associations with LMA (0.38 ± 0.12) and BF (0.32 ± 0.14). Despite a shorter generation interval, selection at the yearling stage will result in a slower genetic progress per generation than does direct selection for cow MW, MH or BCS. Moreover, using YW and YC as selection criteria will increase cattle size at maturity without altering BCS. Last, LMA or BF-based selection will reduce mature size, while improving BCS, as a correlated response.

scholarly journals Multi-breed Genetic Parameters and Genome-wide Association Studies for Mortality Rate at Birth in Pigs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meijing An ◽  
Guangliang Zhou ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
Tao Xiang ◽  
Yunlong Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Complex Trait ◽  
Genome Wide Association ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Piglet Mortality

Abstract Background Piglet mortality is an economically important complex trait that impacts sow prolificacy in the pig industry. The genetic parameters estimations and genome-wide association studies will help us to better understand the genetic fundamentals of piglet mortality. However, compared with other economically important traits, a little breakthrough in the genetic analyses of the trait has been achieved. Results In this study, we used multi-breed data sets from Yorkshire, Landrace, and Duroc sows and characterized the genetic and genomic properties of mortality rate at birth by treating each parity as a different trait. The heritability of mortality rate from parity I to III were estimated to be 0.0630, 0.1031, and 0.1140, respectively. The phenotypic and genetic correlations with its component traits were all positive with ranges from 0.0897 to 0.9054, and 0.2388 to 0.9999, respectively. Integrating the results, we identified 21 loci that were detected at least by two tools from standard MLM, FarmCPU, BLINK and mrMLM, and these loci were annotated to 22 genes. The annotations revealed that the gene expressions were associated with the reproductive system, nervous system, digestive system, and embryonic development, which are reasonably related to the piglet mortality. Conclusions In brief, the genetic properties of piglet mortality at birth were reported. These findings are expected to provide much information for understanding the genetic and genomic fundamentals of farrowing mortality and also identify candidate molecular markers for breeding practice.

Genetic parameters of the duration of fertility in hens

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Beaumont
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
The Other ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Box Cox Transformation

After two successive artificial inseminations (AI) with 125 × 106 spermatozoa, various characteristics of the duration of fertility were observed in 2375 egg-type hens at 33 and 44 wk of age: number of fertile (F) or hatched (H) eggs during a 21-d control period after AI, early, medium or late embryonic mortalities occurring at the same time and efficient (De) and maximum (Dm) duration (i.e. time between AI and the first clear egg or the last fertile egg, respectively). Heritability estimates of F, H, De or Dm ranged from 0.08 to 0.31. All genetic correlations between these variables (measured at the same age) were high (0.45–0.99) as well as those between the same variable measured at different ages (0.30–0.97). Estimates of genetic parameters varied little when estimated by Henderson's method III or REML but with the second method only all estimates were within the parameter space. A Box-Cox transformation of data slightly modified heritability estimates and animal ranking after genetic evaluation. The best criterion of selection for duration of fertility seems to be H as it is economically important, well heritable and highly correlated with the other characteristics of duration of fertility. Key words: Genetic parameters, fertility, poultry, Restricted Maximum Likelihood

scholarly journals Short-term selection for yearling weight in a small-experimental Iranian Afshari sheep flock

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhad Ghafouri-Kesbi ◽  
Moradpasha Eskandarinasab ◽  
Ahmad Hassanabadi
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Breeding Program ◽  
Sheep Flock ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Generation Interval ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Daily Gain

A selection experiment was initiated in 2000 in an Afshari sheep flock at the department of animal breeding and genetics of the University of Zanjan, Iran. The aim was to evaluate the response of Afshari sheep to selection for yearling live weight. Here, we evaluate the results of this breeding program obtained between 2000 and 2005. Traits studied were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), average daily gain from birth to weaning (WWDG) and average daily gain from weaning to yearling age (YWDG). Mixed model methodology based on a multi-trait animal model was employed to estimate (co)variance components and corresponding genetic parameters. Estimates of breeding values were obtained by the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) method. Generation intervals on the four genetic pathways were estimated as the average age of parents at the birth of their progeny kept for reproduction. The heritability estimates were 0.34, 0.27, 0.14, 0.20 and 0.01 for BW, WW, YW, WWDG and YWDG, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlations among traits studied were positive, and ranged from low (0.07, YW/WWDG) to high (0.76, YW/YWDG). Genetic improvements over the experiment based on estimated breeding values were 0.104, 0.824, 1.247, 0.005 and ≈0.00 kg for BW, WW, YW, WWDG and YWDG, respectively. Annual genetic gain for YW was relatively high, 0.311 kg yr-1, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the implemented breeding program. Correlated responses in BW, WW, WWDG and YWDG were 0.021, 0.167, 0.001 and ≈0.00 kg yr-1, respectively. Estimates of heritabilities and observed genetic trends indicated that selective breeding can lead to significant genetic improvement in Afshari sheep. The average generation interval was estimated to be 3.35 yr. The shorter generation interval was observed on the sire side compared with the dam side (3.30 yr vs. 3.78 yr), indicating faster generation turnover for sires than for dams. Key words: Sheep, animal model, genetic trend, generation interval, heritability

Relations between first and second lactation characters of progeny groups and effects of tandem selection on yield improvement

1975 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuven Bar-Anan
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Yield Improvement ◽  
Selection Models ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Additional Costs ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values ◽  
Sire Selection

SUMMARYCorrelations and regressions between estimated breeding values for 122 day part-lactation, 1st and 2nd lactation yield (part, 1st, 2nd) were estimated from 106 sire progeny groups, each with at least 60 effective daughters.The genetic correlations between part, 1st and 2nd kg milk were 1·0 and 0·84 respectively, and the regressions of 1st on part and of 2nd on 1st test were 2·40 and 0·82 kg/kg milk, respectively. Selection by one standard deviation between sires on part-lactation tests would improve 1st lactation yields by an average of 204 kg milk with a standard deviation of 84 kg. Selection on 1st lactation yields by one standard deviation would increase 2nd lactation yields by an average of 183 kg milk with a standard deviation of 156 kg, indicating that some bulls so selected could have below average 2nd lactation yields.Two sire selection models were simulated differing in the selection criterion; 1 st yield in model 1, and 1 st followed by 2nd yields in model 2. The contribution of proven sires to the rate of genetic improvement in lifetime production was greater from model 2 than from model 1 by about 15% without any additional costs for bull maintenance.

scholarly journals Colostrum production of Alentejano and Large-White × Landrace sows: consumption, passive immunity and mortality of piglets

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. e0611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Charneca ◽  
Maria J. Vila-Viçosa ◽  
Paulo Infante ◽  
José Nunes ◽  
Jean Le Dividich
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Passive Immunization ◽  
Passive Immunity ◽  
Large White ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
The Difference

<p>Colostrum production and composition of 45 Alentejano (AL) and 45 crossed (Large–White × Landrace, LL) sows together with consumption and passive immunization of piglets, were evaluated. Piglets were weighed at birth, 24h, and 21 and 28 days of age. Colostrum was collected, chemically analysed and immunoglobulin G (IgG) determined. On piglets, serum IgG concentrations were determined at 2d and 28d of age. Alentejano piglets consumed 19% less colostrum than LL piglets (267 <em>vs</em> 328 g; <em>p</em>&lt;0.001), but when adjusted for birth weight, the difference between genotypes was not significant (<em>p</em>=0.891). Alentejano sows produced less colostrum (1985±139 g <em>vs</em> 3761±139 g, <em>p</em>&lt;0.001) than LL sows, even after adjustment for litter birth weight. IgG concentrations were higher in AL colostrum at 12 h and 36 h after the onset of farrowing. They were higher in AL than in LL piglets (<em>p</em>=0.025) and higher at 2d than at 28d of age (<em>p&lt;</em>0.001). Mortality rate of piglets until d21 post–farrowing was higher in AL genotype (27% <em>vs</em> 16.1%, <em>p</em>&lt;0.001). In both genotypes main factors influencing piglet mortality were birth weight and colostrum intake (g/kg birth weight). Higher mortality in AL than in LL genotype was attributable to the higher proportion (28.7% <em>vs</em> 11.6%, <em>p</em>&lt;0.001) of light piglets. It is concluded that for similar birth weight, both AL and LL piglets have a similar ability to ingest colostrum and that AL sows are less able to produce colostrum than LL sows. IgG concentrations of colostrum and of piglets serum were higher in AL than in LL genotype.</p>

scholarly journals Genetic and permanent environmental variations in daily milk yield and milk flow rates in Hungarian Holstein Friesian

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 535-548
Author(s):  
A. A. Amin
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Random Regression ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values ◽  
Daily Milk Yield

Abstract. Random regression animal model was applied for analyzing the relationships between test-day milk yields (DY), and milk flow rate (FR). The current study involved 169,491 sample test-day records of Hungarian Holstein- Friesian cows. A quadratic random regression was applied for declaring additive genetic variances in all studied traits during biweekly observations across the first three parities. Estimates of heritability for test-day milk yield and udder milk flow rates ranged from 0.09 to 0.58 and from 0.02 to 0.50, respectively through 42 milk-weeks (Wk). The highest heritability estimates occurred during the end of trajectory for both traits. In general DY tended to be more heritable than FR across lactation except during the first few weeks of lactation. Performance of DY was less affected by environmental variation than FR, while both values were moderate to high (0.63 to 0.75). Correlations among measurements showed that additive correlations (Ra) of 4WkFR with the reminder part of lactation were high during early and late lactation. Also 24WkFR was more genetically correlated with next measures and reached Ra = 0.94. Whereas 42WkFR was high additively correlated with other biweekly measurements and ranged from 0.53 to 0.99. Performance of early and late DY was negative additively correlated and ranged from −0.03 to −0.53. Heritability of DY within levels of FR ranged from 0.09 to 0.33 within very slow and medium milk flow, respectively. Correlations among both traits increased linearly toward lactation end. DY during 24Week and 42Week of lactation accounted the highest additive correlations with FR across lactation. Estimated breeding values for DY and FR increased in different rates with progressing lactation. These results may indicate that individual selection results would be favorably achieved during the late part of lactation. More details about estimates of breeding values, estimates of permanent environmental and additive genetic correlations for all traits were tabulated.

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