Genetic Effects for Litter Weight and Within-Litter Birth Weight Variation in a Swine Breeding Population

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Deukhwan Lee ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Weight Variation

scholarly journals Relationships between litter size, sex ratio and within-litter birth weight variation in a sow herd and consequences on weaning performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus J Zindove ◽  
Tonderai Mutibvu ◽  
Andrew C Shoniwa ◽  
Erica L Takaendesa
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Regression Procedure ◽  
Weight Variation ◽  
Selection For

Abstract Routine selection for litter size has resulted in increase in the proportion of lightweight piglets. There is a need to balance prolificacy with litter uniformity in order to maximise profit. A total of 3 465 piglets from 310 litter records obtained from 2016 until 2019 at the Pig Industry Board research unit, Arcturus, Zimbabwe, were used to determine the relationships between litter size, sex ratio and within-litter birth weight variation in the sow herd and consequences on performance at weaning. The regression procedure of SAS was used to determine the relationships between litter size, sex ratio and within-litter birth weight variation. The regression procedure was also used to determine the relationships between number born alive, within-litter birth weight variation, and sex ratio, and litter performance traits at weaning. Parity of sow, year and month of farrowing did not affect sex ratio (P > 0.05). The number born alive and number of piglets born had no relationship with sex ratio (P > 0.05). As the sex ratio increased, percent survival of piglets at weaning also increased linearly (P < 0.05). As the proportion of males in litters increased, within-litter birth weight variation and within-litter weaning weight variation increased reaching maximum as the proportion of males in litters approached 0.5 and then decreased onwards. As the proportion of males in litters approached 1, within-litter birth weight variation and within-litter weaning weight variation reached their least values. In conclusion, within-litter sex ratio does not vary with parity, year and month of farrowing. Within-litter weight variation is highest in litters with equal number of male and female piglets and lowest in unisex litters. This implies that production of unisex litters can help to reduce the variation in the weight of pigs at birth, weaning, and marketing which is one of the biggest economic challenges faced by pork producers.

scholarly journals Lysine supplementation in late gestation of gilts: effects on piglet birth weight, and gestational and lactational performance

2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 1464-1470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Magnabosco ◽  
Thomas Bierhals ◽  
Renato Rosa Ribeiro ◽  
Henrique Scherer Cemin ◽  
Jamil Elias Ghiggi Faccin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Voluntary Feed Intake ◽  
Weight Variation ◽  
Lactational Performance ◽  
Diet Control

Lysine requirements for gain in maternal body reserves and piglet birth weight, during pregnancy, in contemporary prolific genotypes, are not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary lysine in late pregnancy on piglet birth weight, and on the gestational and lactational performance of gilts. Pregnant gilts were uniformly distributed into two groups and received, from 85 to 110 days of gestation, either of two lysine levels in their diet: Control group - 28g lysine/day (n=136), and Lysine group - 35g lysine/day (n=141). There were no effects (P>0.10) of supplemental lysine on body weight and backfat (BF) gain of females or on piglet birth weight. Gilts supplemented with lysine tended to have a lower percentage of stillbirths (P=0.077), reduced within-litter birth weight variation (P=0.094) and a lower percentage of piglets weighing less than 1100g (P=0.082) than in the Control group. During lactation, the performance of sows and litters was also evaluated in a subgroup of sows (n=26/group). There were no differences between the Control and Lysine groups (P>0.10) in voluntary feed intake, body reserve losses (weight and BF), weaning-to-estrus interval of the sows, and litter weaning weight. In conclusion, an increase in lysine (from 28 to 35g/day) in late gestation of gilts (85 to 110 days) tends to reduce the rate of stillbirths and to improve the uniformity of litter weight at birth, but does not affect the performance of females until farrowing or during subsequent lactation.

Importance of average litter weight and individual birth weight for early postnatal performance and myofiber characteristics of progeny

2013 ◽  
Vol 157 (1) ◽  
pp. 330-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.E. Pardo ◽  
S. Müller ◽  
J. Bérard ◽  
M. Kreuzer ◽  
G. Bee
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Weight

scholarly journals PSXI-5 Effect of increasing feed intake during late gestation on piglet birth weight and weaning weight of low backfat thickness sows

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 387-388
Author(s):  
Yuanfei Zhou ◽  
Zuhong Liu ◽  
Jian Peng
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Large White ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Weight Variation ◽  
High Feed

Abstract This study investigated the effect of feed intake during late gestation on piglet birth weight and weaning weight of sows with the low backfat thickness (BF) at gestation 90 d. A total of 397 crossbred Landrance × Large White sows according to feed intakes were randomly allotted to three groups 2.8 kg/d (the energy requirement for sow maintenance), 3.6 kg/d and 4.0 kg/d from day 90 to day 110 of gestation. Sows were weighed and measured BF at 90 d and at 110 d of gestation and at weaning. Piglet performance at parturition and at weaning and wean-to-estrus of sows were recorded. Although sows had a tendency to increase BF at gestation 110 d (P = 0.09) and had more BF gain during late gestation with higher feed intake (P < 0.01), there was no evidence for differences in piglet birth weight, within-litter birth weight variation and weak piglet rate, and the number of total born, born alive and stillborn. During lactation, sows fed with high feed intake in late gestation increased body weight loss (P < 0.01). And no differences were observed in piglet performance at weaning and wean-to-estrus interval of sows. In conclusion, during late gestation, sows fed with feed intake more than energy requirement for maintenance had no effect on piglet birth weight or weaning weight.

Comparative farrowing to weaning performance in Meishan and Large White pigs and their crosses

1995 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Lee ◽  
C. S. Haley
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Large White ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Probability Of Survival ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Litter Traits ◽  
Breed Differences

AbstractGrowth and survival from birth to weaning were monitored during three generations of crossbreeding between British Large White (LW) and Chinese Meishan (MS) pigs. The design allowed comparisons between sow genotypes ranging from zero to all MS genes, which were mated toLWor MS boars, to produce progeny with proportions of 0·0 to 0·5 or 0·5 to 1·0 MS genes, respectively. Crossbreeding parameters of both maternal and direct piglet performance were estimated for the first two parities using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methods for litter traits (litter weight at birth, litter mean and within litter standard deviation of piglet weight at birth, proportion surviving to weaning, litter size and weight at weaning and litter mean piglet weight at weaning) and for traits of the piglet (birth weight, probability of survival and weaning weight). For litter traits, the estimated contribution of the additive maternal effect to the breed differences (MS-LW) was significant for litter mean piglet birth weight (–0·46 (s.e. 0·04) kg), survival to weaning (0·15 (s.e. 0·02)), litter size at weaning (1·6 (s.e. 0·16) piglets), litter weaning weight (–11·2 (s.e. 3·8) kg) and litter mean piglet weaning weight (2·54 (s.e. 0·24) kg). Adding litter size and litter mean piglet birth weight to the model removed the additive maternal contribution to the breed differences in survival, and litter size and reduced that for litter mean piglet weaning weight. The contribution of the direct additive effect to the breed difference (MS-LW) was significant for the within litter standard deviation in birth weight (0·018 (s.e. 0·006)), survival to weaning (0·12 (s.e. 0·02)) and litter size (1·12 (s.e. 0·64)) and weight (11·6 (s.e. 4·0) kg) at weaning, but not for piglet weight at birth or weaning. Fitting litter size and litter mean birth weight had comparatively little impact on the direct additive effects. There were significant maternal heterosis effects for litter weight at birth and litter size and weight at weaning, the estimated deviation of the F1 from the midpoint of the two purebreds 3·22 (s.e. 0·55) kg, 2·20 (s.e. 0·47) piglets, and 20·1 (s.e. 3·3) kg respectively, but none for survival or piglet weights. There were direct heterosis effects for litter weight and litter mean piglet weights, the estimated deviation of the Fjfrom the mid point of the two purebreds being 1·16 (s.e. 0·41) kg and 0·14 (s.e. 0·02) kg, for survival to weaning (0·04 (s.e. 0·02)) and for litter weight (11·2 (s.e. 2·5) kg) and litter mean piglet weight (0·96 (s.e. 0·17) kg) at weaning. Fitting litter size and litter mean piglet birth weight removed or reduced both maternal and direct heterosis effects. Individual piglet analyses gave similar results to analyses of the equivalent sow trait. It was concluded that in litters born to MS cows, the lower piglet survival and lower weaning weights were related to the larger litter sizes and lower piglet birth weights. For their birth weight, however, MS piglets have a greater ability to survive and thrive. The large direct and maternal heterosis effects observed for litter and mean piglet weight at weaning werepartly associated with the heavier birth weight of the crossbred piglet.

Birth weight interacts with a functional variant of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) to predict executive functioning in children

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Wade ◽  
Heather Prime ◽  
Thomas J. Hoffmann ◽  
Louis A. Schmidt ◽  
Thomas G. O'Connor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Oxytocin Receptor ◽  
Oxytocin Receptor Gene ◽  
Weight Variation ◽  
Major Allele ◽  
Family Based ◽  
And Function

AbstractGenetic variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is associated with several psychiatric conditions characterized by deficits in executive functioning (EF). A specific OXTR variant, rs2254298, has previously been associated with brain functioning in regions implicated in EF. Moreover, birth weight variation across the entire range is associated with individual differences in cortical structure and function that underlie EF. This is the first study to examine the main and interactive effect between rs2254298 and birth weight on EF in children. The sample consisted of 310 children from an ongoing longitudinal study. EF was measured at age 4.5 using observational tasks indexing working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. A family-based design that controlled for population admixture, stratification, and nongenomic confounds was employed. A significant genetic association between rs2254298 and EF was observed, with more copies of the major allele (G) associated with higher EF. There was also a significant interaction between rs2254298 and birth weight, such that more copies of the major allele in combination with higher birth weight predicted better EF. Findings suggest that OXTR may be associated with discrete neurocognitive abilities in childhood, and these effects may be modulated by intrauterine conditions related to fetal growth and development.

scholarly journals HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1143-1143
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Epidemiology ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Genetic Elements ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys ◽  
Co Morbidity

This issue features groups of papers on genetics, the distributional nature of the milder disorder featuring most prominently in community surveys, diagnostic co-morbidity, neuropsychological and related aspects of schizophrenia.The first group of papers come from genetic epidemiology, all from twin studies. Agrawal et al. (pp. 1155–1164) examine genetic and environmental origins of detailed aspects of social support. They find evidence for genetic elements in almost all aspects, with some smaller differences between males and females. Wichers et al. (pp. 1165–1174) report effects of pregnancy and birth complications and genetic elements on childhood behaviour problems. They find one specific complication, being of lower birth weight for gestational age, associated with problem behaviour, and an interaction with genetic effects, such that these are weaker in the presence of low birth weight. Johnson et al. (pp. 1175–1185) examine the heritability of depression measured on a symptom scale in Danish twins. They find genetic effects, which do not vary with age over a wide span from 45 to over 95. An accompanying editorial (pp. 1145–1148) looks at the future of genetic epidemiology in a time of accelerating molecular genetic research activity.Epidemiological surveys frequently measure so-called common mental disorder, psychiatric symptoms in a milder range which may not necessarily fit defined criteria for specific disorders. Melzer et al. (pp. 1195–1201) using this kind of data from a community survey, find a continuous single distribution with no natural cut-off point. Brugha (pp. 1149–1154) in an accompanying editorial discusses the implications of such a dimensional approach and its relation to diagnosis.

scholarly journals Comparison of models for estimating genetic parameters and predicting breeding values for birth weight and calving ease in Czech Charolais cattle 

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 7) ◽  
pp. 302-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Vostrý ◽  
Z. Veselá ◽  
A. Svitáková ◽  
H. Vostrá Vydrová
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Parameters Estimation ◽  
Calving Ease ◽  
Heritability Estimates

The most appropriate model for genetic parameters estimation for calving ease and birth weight in beef cattle was selected. A total of 27 402 field records were available from the Czech Charolais breed. For estimation of genetic parameters for calving ease and body weight, three bivariate models were tested: a linear-linear animal model (L-LM) with calving ease classified into four categories (1 – easy; 2–4 – most difficult), a linear-linear animal model (SC-LM) in which calving ease scores were transformed into Snell scores (Snell 1964) and expressed as percentage of assisted calving (ranging 0–100%), and a bivariate threshold-linear animal model (T-LM) with calving ease classified into four categories (1 – easy, 2–4 – most difficult). All tested models included fixed effects for contemporary group (herd × year × season), age of dam, sex and breed of a calf. Random effects included direct and maternal genetic effects, maternal permanent environmental effect, and residual error. Direct heritability estimates for calving ease and birth weight were, with the use of L-LM, SC-LM, and T-LM, from 0.096 ± 0.013 to 0.226 ± 0.024 and from 0.210 ± 0.024 to 0.225 ± 0.026, respectively. Maternal heritability estimates for calving ease and birth weight were, with the use of L-LM, SC-LM, and T-LM, from 0.060 ± 0.031 to 0.104 ± 0.125 and from 0.074 ± 0.041 to 0.075 ± 0.040, respectively. Genetic correlations of direct calving ease with direct birth weight ranged from 0.46 ± 0.06 to 0.50 ± 0.06 for all tested models; whereas maternal genetic correlations between these two traits ranged from 0.24 ± 0.17 to 0.25 ± 0.53. Correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects within-trait were negative and substantial for all tested models (ranging from –0.574 ± 0.125 to –0.680 ± 0.141 for calving ease and from –0.553 ± 0.122 to –0.558 ± 0.118 for birth weight, respectively), illustrating the importance of including this parameter in calving ease evaluations. Results indicate that any of the tested models could be used to reliably estimate genetic parameters for calving ease for beef cattle in the Czech Republic. However, because of advantages in computation time and practical considerations, genetic analysis using SC-LM (transformed data) is recommended.

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