scholarly journals REPRODUCTIVE AND BODY WEIGHT PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS IN THE HUMID TROPICS OF NIGERIA.

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 61-65
Author(s):  
I. K. ODUBOTE ◽  
J. O. AKINOKUN
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits ◽  
White Breed ◽  
Size At Birth

Fifty two litters obtained over a period of 8 months (December 1986-July 1987) from the mating of eight bucks with twenty nine does (first mating) and twenty three does (second mating) all belonging to the New Zealand White breed of rabbits were used in this analysis. Mean gestation length, number of mating to conception, litter size at birth and parturition interval were 31.6 ± 0.2 days, 1.4 ± 0.1, 5.6 ± 0.3 pups and 79.0 ± 14.5 days respectively. Litter weight at birth, 3,6 and 8 weeks of age were 230.4 ± 9.5g, 602.1 ± 35.6g, 1247.5 ± 81.5g and 1673.0 ± 112.3g respectively. Parity significantly (P <0.05) affected the number of mating to conception and litter birth weight. Litter weight at all ages were influenced (P<.01) by corresponding litter sizes at such ages. Sire neither had any effect on litter weight at all ages nor on any of the reproductive parameters studied. Litter size at birth was negatively correlation with gestation length (-0.08), number of matings to conception (-0.27) and average birth weight (-0.42). 

Reproductive attributes of local pig (Votho) of Nagaland, India

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Savino ◽  
Z. Chusi ◽  
A. Dhali ◽  
P. Perumal
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Size At Birth ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Age At First Farrowing

The present study was conducted to measure the reproductive attributes of Naga local pigs (Votho) in Kohima, Peren and Phek district of Nagaland. The reproductive parameters were measured through field survey and reproductive records of owner. The reproductive parameters such as age at first fertile service (AFFS), age at first farrowing (AFF), gestation length, farrowing interval, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, litter weight at birth, litter weight at weaning, mortality rate and stillbirth rate were measured. The result revealed that there was a significant difference among the different districts of Nagaland in AFFS, AFF and litter weight at birth. Parameters such as AFFS, AFF and litter weight at birth were significantly higher and gestation length, farrowing interval, litter size at weaning, litter weight at birth, litter weight at weaning were non-significantly higher in Kohima than in Peren and Phek District. Similarly, parameters such as litter size at birth, mortality rate were non-significantly higher in Peren district and stillbirth was non- significantly higher in Phek district than other districts of Nagaland. These reproductive attributes analyses may be useful in selection of breeding stock for future parents and select the place for breeding programme for indigenous local Naga pigs.

An analysis of reproductive performance in pigs based on records of performance of the boar

1977 ◽  
Vol 17 (85) ◽  
pp. 256 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Baharin ◽  
RG Beilharz
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Large White ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Commercial Farm ◽  
Heritability Estimates

The reproductive performance of 308 boars with total records of 9220 matings from a large commercial farm was analysed. The boars were purebred Large White, Landrace and from the newly synthesized M breed and were mated to purebred and crossbred sows of the same breeds. The M breed was derived from crossing between Large White and Landrace pigs with foundation females selected on the basis of their ability to produce large litters. Over half the total records were from matings with sows of parity 1 and parity 2. Overall production statistics were 78.8 per cent conception rate, an average total litter size of 9.3 pigs born per litter, 6.5 per cent stillbirths, an average litter weight (live piglets) at birth of 12.2 kg, average birth weight per piglet of 1.43 kg and average gestation length of 11 5 days. Most of the traits analysed showed significant effects due to parity of dams, with performance increasing from parity 1 to parity 6 to 8, after which the performance began to decline. There were significant heterosis effects (mainly maternal) on reproduction of the sows and survival performance of the litters resulting in an estimated improvement of 11 per cent in number of live pigs born, 12.4 per cent in total litter weight at birth and 35 per cent reduction in stillbirths. Heritability estimates were generally low for most traits except for boar conception rate which was moderate (0.29).

scholarly journals Effect of re-mating intervals on growth and reproductive performance of rabbits

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-147
Author(s):  
BK Saha ◽  
MB Sarker ◽  
MH Alam ◽  
ME Kabir ◽  
MR Amin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Size At Birth

The aim of this study was to know the effects of postpartum re-mating intervals on reproductive performances of does and growth of kits. Fifteen female New Zealand White crossbred rabbits were divided into three groups of equal numbers. They were re-mated within 24 hours, at 10 days and 28 days postpartum. Animals were individually caged in cells measuring 2'×2'×2'. Does were kept under natural lighting. Plastic nest boxes were supplied to does 3-4 days before parturition. They were reared up to four generation. Litter weight at birth was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 10 days postpartum than within 24 hours and at 28 days postpartum intervals. Higher growth rate was observed in 10 days postpartum group comparing to other re-mating groups. Milk yield of the dams were significantly (p<0.05) higher when dam re-mated at 10 days postpartum than those re-mated within 24 hours after parturition. Conception rate, gestation length of does, litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at weaning, doe weight at mating, kidding, weaning and kid mortality did not differ significantly among the groups. Rabbit does re-mated at 10 days postpartum show maximum litter weight at birth, growth rate of kits and milk yield of dam.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i2.18497 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (2): 143-147

scholarly journals The impact of maternal genetic merit and country of origin on ewe reproductive performance, lambing performance and ewe survival

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Fetherstone ◽  
N McHugh ◽  
T M Boland ◽  
F M McGovern
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the ewe’s maternal genetic merit and country of origin (New Zealand or Ireland) on ewe reproductive, lambing and productivity traits. The study was performed over a four year period (2016 to 2019) and consisted of three genetic groups: high maternal genetic merit New Zealand (NZ), high maternal genetic merit Irish (High Irish) and low maternal genetic merit Irish (Low Irish) ewes. Each group contained 30 Suffolk and 30 Texel ewes, selected based on the respective national maternal genetic indexes; i.e. either the New Zealand Maternal Worth (New Zealand group) or the €uro-star Replacement index (Irish groups). The impact of maternal genetic merit on reproductive traits such as litter size; lambing traits such as gestation length, birth weight, lambing difficulty, mothering ability, and productivity traits such as the number of lambs born and weaned were analyzed using linear mixed models. For binary traits, the impact of maternal genetic merit on reproductive traits such as conception to first AI service; lambing traits such as dystocia, perinatal lamb mortality and productivity traits such as ewe survival were analyzed using logistic regression. New Zealand ewes outperformed Low Irish ewes for conception to first AI (P&lt;0.05) and litter size (P=0.05). Irish ewes were more likely to suffer from dystocia (6.84 (High Irish) and 8.25 (Low Irish) times) compared to NZ ewes (P&lt;0.001); birth weight and perinatal mortality did not differ between groups (P&gt;0.05). Lambs born from NZ ewes were 4.67 (95% CI: 1.89 to 11.55; P&lt;0.001) and 6.54 (95% CI: 2.56 to 16.71; P&lt;0.001) times more likely to stand up and suckle unassisted relative to lambs born from High or Low Irish ewes, respectively. New Zealand and High Irish ewes had a greater number of lambs born and weaned throughout the duration of the study compared to their Low Irish counterparts (P&lt;0.001). New Zealand ewes tended to be more likely to survive from one year to the next compared to Low Irish ewes (P=0.07). Irish ewes of high maternal genetic merit outperformed their Low counterparts in total number of lambs born and weaned per ewe, but performance did not differ across other traits investigated. This highlights the importance of continuous development of the Irish maternal sheep index to ensure favourable improvements in reproductive, lambing and productivity traits at farm level. Overall, results demonstrate the suitability of NZ genetics in an Irish production system.

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

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.

scholarly journals Phenotypic relationships between gestation length and preweaning litter traits in rabbits.

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-160
Author(s):  
O. N. Durunna ◽  
U. E. Ogundu
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Litter Traits ◽  
Degree Of Association ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Size At Birth

A total of 135 kittens from 22 kindlings were used to determine the relationship between gestation length (GL) and some preweaning litter traits alongside the weight of their 12 dams. Average daily gain at 21 days (ADG21), average litter weight at birth (ALWB), kindling to weaning viability (KWV), litter size at birth{L.SB), litter size at 21 days (LS21), litter weight at 21 days(LW21), litter weight at birth (LWAB), and still birth number (SBN) when subjected to multiple regression analysis revealed non-significant t-test value with GL. However, Average litter weight at 21 days (ALW21) was highly significant (P<0.01) suggesting that such can be used to predict GL. Weight of doe (WOD) was highly significant (P<0.01) showing that such parameter is important for predicting GL. A high R2 value was obtained indicating that the variability in GL is explained by the linearity of the preweaning litter traits and WOD. However the correlation coefficient R, (0.89) revealed a high degree of association between the preweaning litter traits in the rabbits and the weight of doe in a linear form. The F-value was significant at P<0.05 indicating that WOD and the preweaning litter traits in rabbits have significant contribution to the variation in GL. The correlations among traits were positive and significant for majority of the traits, which include live birth number (LBN), ADG21, ALW21, KWV, LS21, and LW21. However SBN had negative correlation with other traits.

scholarly journals Effect of lighting schedule, intensity, and colour on reproductive performance of rabbit does

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Yingjie Wu ◽  
Ang Zhao ◽  
Yinghe Qin
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
White Light ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Size At Birth

<p>In order to establish a lighting regime suitable for rabbit farms in East China, the effects of lighting schedule, intensity and colour on the reproductive performance of rabbit does were evaluated by three experiments, respectively. In experiment 1, does were exposed to different lighting schedules: 16L:8D-continuous, 16L:8D-18d (6 d before artificial insemination (AI) to 12 d post-AI), 16L:8D-6d (6 d before AI to the day of AI) and 12L:12D-continuous. In experiment 2, does were exposed to different light intensities: 40 lx, 60 lx, 80 lx and 120 lx. In experiment 3, does were exposed to different light colours: white, yellow, blue and red. For all experiments, conception rate, kindling rate and pre-weaning mortality were calculated; litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning, litter weight at weaning and individual kit weight at weaning were recorded. Results showed that none of the reproductive parameters of does were affected by the application of 16L:8D-18d lighting schedule compared with the continuous 16L:8D group(<em>P</em>&gt;0.05). Moreover, rabbits does exposed to 80 lx light performed as well as those under 120 lx light in conception rate, kindling rate, litter size (total and alive) at birth and litter weight at birth (<em>P</em>&gt;0.05). Furthermore, the exposures of 60 lx and 80 lx light were beneficial for litter weight at weaning. In addition, red light had a positive effect, as it led to a larger litter size and litter weight at weaning and lower pre-weaning mortality than white light (<em>P</em>&lt;0.05). In summary, a 16L:8D photoperiod with 80 lx red light from 6 d before AI to 12 d post-AI is recommended for use in breeding of rabbit does according to our results.</p>

scholarly journals Productive and reproductive performance of Saanen goat at AZZahra farm of Sandakan in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
MAMY Khandoker ◽  
N Afini ◽  
A Azwan
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Estrus Cycle ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Saanen Goat ◽  
Age At Puberty

An experiment was conducted at AZ-Zahra Farm, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia to investigate the productive and reproductive performance of Saanen dairy goat. Body weight at different ages were collected once while birth weight was collected when does gave birth. On the other hand, milk production of each individual per day was received continuously for three months. The data on reproductive parameters such as length of estrus cycle, duration of estrus period, age at puberty, gestation length, age at first kidding, litter size, birth weight and kid mortality were noted. Descriptive statistics such as number, percentage, mean, standard deviation were performed. T-test was also conducted to know the statistical difference between the groups. Result demonstrated that body weight increases significantly (p<0.01) with the advancement of the age. The highest daily milk yield was found in 2-3 years of age. Dam with multiple kids produced more milk than dam with single kid. Estrus cycle of Saanen goats was found 21 days, the average estrus period duration was 2.75 days, age at puberty was 8.33 months, first kidding age was 14.2 months and gestation period was 150 days on an average. With the increase of the age of dam litter size increased. Meanwhile average birth weight increased as age of dam increased from 2.85 kg in 1 year to 3.26 kg in 3 years. Male kids born heavier than females (3.23±0.62 vs. 2.75±0.58 kg) and single kids were heavier than twin kids (3.07±0.66 kgvs2.70±0.28 kg). Low mortality rate of kids was recorded in this study (6.4%). It can be concluded that the overall productive and reproductive performances of Saanen goat at AZ-Zahra farm were within the acceptable level and the variation recorded in different parameters is very much usual. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2018. 47 (1): 1-12

The size of lambs at birth—a study involving egg transfer

1962 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Dickinson ◽  
J. L. Hancock ◽  
G. J. R. Hovell ◽  
C. S. Taylor ◽  
G. Wiener
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Genotypic Differences ◽  
Maternal Environment ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Size At Birth ◽  
Better Than

The influence of maternal and genetic factors on the size of lambs at birth and on their gestation length has been studied from the results of two experiments involving the transfer of fertilised eggs from one breed of sheep to another. In the first experiment, eggs were transferred reciprocally between old ewes of the large Lincoln breed and of the small Welsh Mountain breed. Results are based on 20 transfer lambs and 14 normally born singles. In the second experiment, 35 pure Lincoln and 28 pure Welsh lambs were born as a result of transferring eggs into 18-month-old nulliparous Scottish Blackface sheep.The breed type of the lamb was found to be the most important factor influencing weight and cannon length at birth, although maternal-foetal interactions were present. As the maternal environment became poorer, genotypic differences remained distinct but decreased in magnitude. The maternal environment provided by 4th parity Lincoln ewes, if judged by lamb's size at birth, was better than that provided by 4th parity Welsh ewes, and this in turn was better than that provided by 1st parity Blackfaces. Lincoln and Welsh lambs in the same maternal environment differed in average birth weight by 5·7, 3·8 and 3·0 1b. respectively in the Lincoln, Welsh and 1st parity Blackface maternal environments. Lincoln and Welsh lambs, each in their own normal maternal environment, differed by 6·5 lb. The maternal influence on cannon length was similar but small. Gestation length of Lincoln lambs in Welsh recipients was almost 4 days shorter than that of Welsh lambs in Lincoln recipients. In the Blackface maternal environment, Lincoln and Welsh lambs differed little in gestation length but males were, on average, carried about a day longer than were females.At the individual level, weight of (Blackface) recipient ewe had a somewhat greater effect on lamb's size than had weight of (Lincoln or Welsh) donor ewe. The magnitudes of these ‘genetic’ and ‘maternal’ effects were comparable with those found at the level of group means; even so, donor's and recipient's weight together accounted for only a small part of the individual variation in lamb's size about the group means.It was concluded that a ewe was able to respond to progressively greater demands made by a lamb or lambs of progressively larger (combined) potential size—but in accordance with the law of diminishing returns—and that the upper limit of maternal accommodation must be considerable. By contrast, the upper limit of mean genetic size at birth appears to be not far above the mean size of single lambs born to their natural mothers in good condition. A model has been constructed from which mean birth weight of lambs can be predicted.

scholarly journals Sow and piglet traits associated with piglet survival at birth and to weaning

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiah M Gourley ◽  
Hilda I Calderon ◽  
Jason C Woodworth ◽  
Joel M DeRouchey ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Order ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Piglet Survival

Abstract AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between sow and piglet characteristics that are associated with stillborn rate and preweaning mortality is beneficial as litter size continues to increase. Two experiments were previously conducted to evaluate prefarrowing nutrition regimens on sow and litter characteristics. These two datasets (experiments 1 and 2) were then used to identify sow and piglet characteristics associated with stillborn rate and piglet survival to weaning. A total of 1,201 sows that gave birth to 19,168 pigs comprised the dataset. The following characteristics were used in multivariate logistic regression analysis for traits associated with stillborn rate or survival to weaning: parity, litter weight, mean piglet birth weight, sow backfat, and BW at day 113 of gestation, gestation length, farrowing duration, litter size, piglet birth order, farrowing assistance, pig to teat ratio, colostrum intake, and colostrum yield. Sows within each experiment (herd) were categorized into quartiles for each of the independent variables to quantify the relationship to stillborn rate or survival to weaning. Increased stillborn rate was associated (P &lt; 0.01) with heavier litter weights, lighter piglet birth weights, and larger litters in both experiments. In experiment 1, increased stillborn rate was associated (P &lt; 0.01) with longer farrowing duration. Increased stillborn rate was associated with sows with less backfat depth at day 113, older parity, or increased farrowing assistance in experiment 2. In both experiments, pigs born later in the birth order had an increased (P &lt; 0.01) risk of being stillborn. In both experiments, heavier piglet birth weight, greater colostrum intake, and lower total born were associated (P &lt; 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. In experiment 2, pigs born in the first 75% of the litter, or in a litter with lower pig to teat ratio were associated (P &lt; 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. Although the stillborn rate was similar between experiments (6.5% vs. 6.6%), differences in the traits associated with stillborn rate between studies indicate that some associated traits may be herd dependent. However, improving piglet birth weight, placing an emphasis on assisting pigs born later in the birth order and increasing colostrum intake will increase piglet survival from birth to weaning.

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