Does the Degree of Fatness and Muscularity Determined by Ultrasound Method Affect Sows’ Reproductive Performance?

The fatness and muscularity of Polish Landrace, Polish Large White gilts and sows and their hybrids were determined on the basis of ultrasound measurements in three consecutive parities, and then the relationship between these parameters and reproductive performance was established. Ultrasound measurements demonstrated the highest fat thickness in first parity and the highest fat area over LD muscle in hybrid gilts (PL × PLW). Pure-bred gilts were characterized by poorer muscularity. Fatness level affected the reproductive parameters of females in which the thickness of backfat in UP2 point was above 22.25 mm, the thickness of backfat in UP4 point was above 17.36 mm and the fat area over LD muscle was above 25.81 cm2. These females achieved better farrowing rates and higher numbers of born piglets. Decreased mortality, higher gains of piglets and higher body weight at weaning were observed, and the weaning to service interval was shortened in fatter females. Intramuscular fat content did not affect reproductive parameters. Muscularity negatively affected reproductive performance parameters, except gestation period. Too-high muscularity was related to the lowest levels of reproductive indices. The analysis of gilts and sows’ fatness and muscularity levels can help to predict their reproductive performance in the future and thus optimize production results.

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Relation between swine weight and morphometric measurements

Research Society and Development ◽

10.33448/rsd-v9i9.8013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. e891998013

Author(s):

Mônica Calixto Ribeiro de Holanda ◽

Marco Aurélio Carneiro de Holanda ◽

Leandro Ricardo Rodrigues de Lucena

Keyword(s):

Mathematical Model ◽

Body Weight ◽

Regression Models ◽

Hip Circumference ◽

Morphometric Measurements ◽

Large White ◽

Male And Female ◽

Lactation Phase ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

Objective was to define a mathematical model that better explain the relationship of the animals weight depending not only on the animals age but also on the animals morphometric measurements. 40 piglets, half Duroc-Large White blood, were used, 20 males and 20 females, from 3 to 35 days of age (lactation phase) initially weighing 1.518 ± 0.121 kg and from 36 to 66 days of age (calving phase) with a body weight of 7.010 ± 0.704 kg. The animals were weighed weekly on a digital balance. The relationship of animal weight, age and morphometric measurements of male and female piglets were performed using regression models: existing, linear and power. The models were evaluated according to nine criterialinear model was the most adequate to explain the weight of male pigs, while for female pigs was the power. The age of the pig, the shank and palette length, as well as the circumference of the shank jointly explain the weight of the male piglets. The weight of females is explained jointly by age, body length, thorax and hip circumference.

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A note on the relationship between ultrasonic fat measurement and performance in beef cattle

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s000335610003587x ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 109-112

Author(s):

J. B. Moran ◽

W. Holmes

Keyword(s):

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Live Weight ◽

Performance Parameters ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Rate Of Increase ◽

Breed Differences ◽

Subcutaneous Fat Thickness ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

And Performance ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACTThe development of subcutaneous fat as measured by ultrasonics was determined in 28 Angus, 46 Hereford and 42 Charolais bulls, performance-tested on a barley/grass diet. The ultrasonic fat measurements were then examined for possible relationships with feed intake, growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. There were apparent breed differences in the rate of increase in subcutaneous fat thickness with changing live weight but ultrasonic measurements bore little relationship to performance parameters within any of the three breeds tested.

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The effect of parity and date of service on the reproductive performance of Polish Large White × Polish Landrace (PLW × PL) crossbred sows

Annals of Animal Science ◽

10.2478/aoas-2013-0077 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 69-79 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Damian Knecht ◽

Kamil Duziński

Keyword(s):

Litter Size ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Industrial Scale ◽

Reproductive Parameters ◽

Large White ◽

Research Material ◽

July August September

Abstract The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of the month of insemination on the reproductive performance of crossbred sows in moderate climates. The research material consisted of 309 primiparous and 625 multiparous (PLW×PL) sows kept on an industrial-scale farm. Analysis included 2457 litters obtained during a five-year period from 2006 to 2011. Statistically, the lowest number of piglets born alive and weaned was observed as a result of summer month insemination (July, August, September) compared to the winter months (February, March) (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). Inseminations in the first four months of the year resulted in a higher number of piglets born alive in second and following parities (P≤0.01). Statistically significant differences in litter size due to the month of insemination were observed for sows in parities 4 and 5-11 (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). The shortest farrowing interval was demonstrated for sows inseminated in November, the longest in January, March (P≤0.01) and April, July (P≤0.05). The results indicate that the insemination month of the sow may affect some reproductive parameters.

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Effect of body weight at first mating on reproductive performance of rabbit does

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.51791/njap.v46i5.259 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (5) ◽

Author(s):

O. Y. Ayo-Ajasa ◽

L.T. Egbeyale ◽

F. A. Adewole ◽

D. A. Ekunseitan ◽

O. A. Babalola

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Litter Size ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Reproductive Parameters ◽

Initial Body Weight ◽

Average Birth Weight ◽

Statistical Representation ◽

T1 And T2 ◽

Breeding Efficiency ◽

Size At Birth

Eighteen mature nulliparous rabbit does with initial body weight between 1600g-2500g were used to evaluate the effect of body weight at first mating on reproductive performance of rabbit does. These rabbits were assigned into three treatments, with T1, T2 and T3 weighing (1600-1900), (1901-2200) and (2201-2500) respectively. The study lasted for 5weeks. The does were mated with buck at ratio 1:3. The reproductive parameters evaluated were number of does that kindled, litter size at birth, breeding efficiency, litter size at weaning, pre-weaning loss. All data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical representation. The highest number of kindled does was 5 in T2 and T3; T1 had the lowest number (3). Breeding efficiency of 83.33% was recorded in T1 and T2 while T3 had 50.00%. T3 had highest average birth weight (49.51g) and T2 had the least (41.51g); litter size at birth and weaning ranged from 18 -28kits and 15-24kits, respectively. T2 does recorded highest value in both parameters, T3 does recorded same value (28kits) for litter size at birth. Highest pre-weaning loss of 7kits was recorded from does in T3 while T1 and T2 recorded 4kits. It was therefore concluded that does with weight range 1901g – 2200g had better reproductive performance with highest breeding efficiency and lower pre-weaning loss.

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Effects of Dietary Monoglyceride and Diglyceride Supplementation on the Performance, Milk Composition, and Immune Status of Sows During Late Gestation and Lactation

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.714068 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Hanqing Song ◽

Wei Chai ◽

Fei Yang ◽

Man Ren ◽

Fang Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Cholesterol ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Dietary Lipid ◽

Late Gestation ◽

Inflammatory Factor ◽

Large White ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Fat Thickness

Monoglyceride and diglyceride (MGDG) have antiviral and antibacterial properties and act as emulsifiers to increase dietary lipid digestibility. The primary aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of dietary MGDG supplementation on the reproductive performance and health status of sows during late gestation and lactation. One hundred sows (Landrace × Large White, mean parity of 4.59) were randomly allocated to groups receiving two different diets with 4% soybean lipids or 4% MGDG from day 85 of gestation to day 21 of lactation. Milk samples were collected on the day of farrowing (colostrum) and on day 14 of lactation, and blood samples were collected from the sows on days 0, 14, and 21 of lactation. Compared with control sows, sows fed MGDG showed no significant differences in reproductive performance (P > 0.05), but sow back fat thickness loss decreased during lactation (P < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in TNF-α concentrations in colostrum in the MGDG-supplemented sows compared with that in the soybean lipid-supplemented sows (P < 0.05). Dietary MGDG supplementation decreased sow plasma IL-8 concentrations on day 0 of lactation and IL-18 concentrations on days 14 and 21 of lactation (P < 0.05). Administration of MGDG increased the glucose and total cholesterol concentrations in sow plasma on day 14 and day 21, respectively (P < 0.05). The findings in this study suggest that MGDG supplementation could be effective in reducing back fat loss, decreasing inflammatory factor levels, and controlling total cholesterol (TCHO) concentrations during lactation.

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

World Rabbit Science ◽

10.4995/wrs.2017.6848 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 303 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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 1st 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 1st and 2nd cycles) and BOHB (0.26 vs. 0.03 mM for 2nd cycle), but disappeared in the 3rd 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.

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The relationship between age at first effective service and numbers born in the gilt litter in purebred pigs

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) ◽

10.1017/s0308229600035364 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 1987 ◽

pp. 101-101

Author(s):

J.T. Mercer

Keyword(s):

Standard Deviation ◽

Litter Size ◽

Management System ◽

Ovulation Rate ◽

Reproductive Parameters ◽

Large White ◽

The Relationship ◽

Effective Service

Practical use is made of an increase in the ovulation rate of gilts over the first few oestrous cycles. In large herds it may well be easier to increase the interval between entry into the herd and first service in order to improve the size of the first litter. The present study considers existing herd records, taken from the Easicare management system, in which the relationship between age at first litter and reproductive parameters in the first parity are examined. A total of 3778 gilt litters were involved, mostly Large White or Landrace, from 14 nucleus or multiplication herds. Average age at first litter ranged from 342 to 376 days across herds and total numbers born per litter from 9.03 to 11.27. Within herd variation in age at first service ranged from a standard deviation of 19 days to 40 days, that of litter size being more consistent, ranging from 2.45 to 3.21. The within herd regressions between these traits were generally small, averaging 0.007 piglets per day, and insignificant (p>0.05).

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Effect of body development from first insemination to first weaning on performance and culling until the third farrowing of Landrace x Large White swine females

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/1678-6897 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 465-473 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

P.E. Lesskiu ◽

M.L. Bernardi ◽

I. Wentz ◽

F.P. Bortolozzo

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Regression Models ◽

Body Weight Gain ◽

Minimum Weight ◽

Large White ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Lactation Length ◽

Body Development

The aim of this study was to verify the association of sow body weight development until the 1st weaning with reproductive performance, piglet production and culling rate until the 3rd farrowing in 196 primiparous sows using logistic regression models. Each 10kg increase in weight gain in the 1stpregnancy (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st farrowing (OR= 0.70), weight at the 1st weaning (OR= 0.73) or weight gain from the 1startificial insemination (AI) to the 1st weaning (OR= 0.67) decreased the percentage of primiparous sows with long weaning-to-oestrus interval - WOI (>5 days). An increasing lactation length and an increase in the number of weaned piglets were responsible for respectively decreasing (OR= 0.77-0.80, per day of lactation) and increasing (OR= 1.52-1.59, per piglet weaned) the percentage of sows with long WOI. Sows with <159.5kg at weaning had higher odds of non-farrowing (NFR) compared to sows with >170kg (OR= 4.73). Sows with <17.5kg of gain from the 1st AI to the 1st weaning had higher odds (OR= 4.88) of NFR than sows gaining >30kg. Each additional lactation day decreased the NFR (OR= 0.74). Females weighing <139kg at the 1st AI had higher percentages of small numbers of total born in the second parity (STB2, OR= 2.00) and over three parities (OR= 3.28) compared to those weighing ≥139kg. Sows with weight gain <25kg at the 1st pregnancy had higher odds of STB2 (OR= 3.01) compared to sows gaining >35kg. Each 10kg of increase in weight at the 1st weaning or in weight gain from the 1stAI to the 1stweaning decreased the total culling rate (OR= 0.71 and 0.73, respectively) and culling for reproductive reasons (OR= 0.57 and 0.61, respectively). The culling rate until the 3rdfarrowing was also increased in sows with a smaller first litter size. The results show that not only reaching a minimum weight at the 1st AI but also having an adequate body weight gain until the 1st weaning is important for the reproductive performance, productivity and retention of Landrace x Large White Danbred sows in the herd.

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Studies in sow reproduction. 2. The effect of lactation length on the subsequent reproductive performance of the sow

Animal Production ◽

10.1017/s0003356100041192 ◽

1975 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 401-406 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

D. J. A. Cole ◽

M. A. Varley ◽

P. E. Hughes

Keyword(s):

Litter Size ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Curvilinear Relationship ◽

Large White ◽

Lactation Length ◽

Average Litter Size ◽

The Relationship ◽

Sow Reproduction

SUMMARYForty litters were weaned from their Landrace × Landrace × Large White dams at 2-day intervals to give a range of lactation lengths from 4 to 42 days. A significant (P<0·001) negative curvilinear relationship was observed between lactation length and the interval from weaning to first oestrus. This period was increased by 4·2 days with the reduction of lactation from 42 to 4 days. The relationship between lactation length and the interval from farrowing to remating was significant (P<0·001) and positively linear over the whole range of observations. A decrease of 1 day in lactation length reduced this interval by 0·91 days. Very short lactations were associated with reduced litter size at the following farrowing; sows weaned after lactation lengths between 4 and 21 days had an average litter size of 9–6 piglets born per litter in the next parity, whereas sows weaned following lactation lengths between 21 and 42 days had an average of 12·7 piglets born in the next parity (P<0·01).

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