scholarly journals Reproductive indices and performance of captive reared grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck)

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-149
Author(s):  
S. A. Onadeko ◽  
F. O. Amubode
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Breeding Success ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Male Birth ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
And Performance ◽  
June July ◽  
Protein Supply ◽  
Reproductive Indices

Two male and 8 female grasscutters were severally observed and paired to characterize certain indices of reproduction as important requirements for successful propagation of the animal in captivity. Observations on some of the reproductive indices are reported. Grasscutter possesses some specialized stages of courtship and coitus that were not readily available for observation. Females openly showed no receptivity to all courtship moves by male. 71% of the mating exercises were however successful, resulting in 36 youngs from 9 litters, comprising 20 females and 16 males. Mean gestation length was 163.11 + 1.58 days (Range 152-170 days). Litter size ranged from 2 to 7 (X -4.00 + 0.52, n=9). Baby grasscutters were born with eyes opened, body fully haired and teeth well developed and capable of inflicting painful bites. Mean birth weight of litters was 117.70 + 34.08g. Male birth weighis were generally heavier (X = 118.10 +27.70g) than females (x= 100.90 + 27.50g). Litter size and weight at birth were negatively correlated (r = . 0.42) and not significant (P> 0.05). Breeding occurred in January, March, April, June, July, November and December. About 67% of the parturition occurred at night. Breeding success among other things affirmed the feasibility of commercial rearing of the grasscutter to supplement the prevailing inadequate animal protein supply in the country.

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<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<0.001); birth weight and perinatal mortality did not differ between groups (P>0.05). Lambs born from NZ ewes were 4.67 (95% CI: 1.89 to 11.55; P<0.001) and 6.54 (95% CI: 2.56 to 16.71; P<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<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.

The effect of feeding salmon oil to sows throughout pregnancy on pre-weaning mortality of piglets

2001 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A. Rooke ◽  
A.G. Sinclair ◽  
S.A. Edwards ◽  
R. Cordoba ◽  
S. Pkiyach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Nutritional Study ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Long Chain

AbstractSalmon oil (16·5 kg /t), a source of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids, was included in diets offered to multiparous sows during pregnancy and lactation to measure responses in pre-weaning mortality and performance of piglets in two studies. The first study, carried out under commercial conditions, included 196 sows which were offered salmon oil and control diets from immediately post service until weaning. The same diets were also offered to 10 sows per treatment from day 58 of pregnancy in a controlled nutritional study which measured the effects of salmon oil on piglet tissue fatty acid composition. Offering salmon oil to the sow significantly increased gestation length and decreased individual piglet birth weight but had no effect on litter size at birth. Overall, salmon oil reduced pre-weaning mortality from 11·7% to 10·2% mainly by reducing the incidence of deaths from crushing by the sow. More detailed analysis of mortality using a general linear mixed model and 2294 piglet records, demonstrated that the incidence of pre-weaning mortality was significantly decreased with increasing individual piglet birth weight and by inclusion of salmon oil in the diet; the incidence of mortality increased with average piglet birth weight in a litter. Salmon oil inclusion had no effect on weight of litter weaned, sow lactation food intake or subsequent reproductive performance. In both studies, dietary salmon oil increased the proportions of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in colostrum to a similar extent. In the nutritional study, inclusion of salmon oil reduced the proportions of 20: 4 n-6 in piglet liver and brain at birth and increased the proportions of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, despite reducing piglet birth weight, offering sows salmon oil reduced pre-weaning mortality of piglets. The nutritional study showed that the amount and type of marine oil used may not have been optimal.

The effect of nutrition in mid pregnancy and ewe liveweight change on birth weight and management for lamb survival in highly fecund ewes

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
NM Fogarty ◽  
DG Hall ◽  
PJ Holst
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Treatment Period ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Nutritional Treatment ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight

The effect of moderate undernutrition in mid pregnancy on lamb birth weight and survival of single- and multiple-bearing ewes is reported. A total of 1220 ewes of 3 crossbred types with different fecundity, Booroola Merino x Dorset (BD), Trangie Fertility Merino x Dorset (TD) and Border Leicester x Merino (BLM), were examined over 2 years. The treatments were low (L) and high (H) nutrition at pasture for 4 weeks from about day 75 of pregnancy. Ewe liveweight of the L group at the end of the treatments was 5 kg lower in 1984 and 8 kg lower in 1985 (P<0.01) than the H group. The differences were smaller by late pregnancy and post-lambing. The L treatment increased (P<0.01) birth weight by 0.16 kg in 1984 but had little effect in 1985. Litter size had the greatest effect on birth weight (P<0.01). Ewe crossbred type and lamb sex effects were also significant (P<0.01), although they tended to be reduced for higher order births. Nutritional treatment had no effect on gestation length. Ewe liveweight at joining and weight gains before and after the treatment period significantly affected birth weight and accounted for the large difference in birth weight between years (0.7 kg). Ewe weight gain during the treatment period in mid pregnancy had no significant effect on lamb birth weight. Nutritional treatment in mid pregnancy had no effect on lamb survival. Litter size significantly affected lamb survival, although inclusion of birth weight in the model reduced the effect. Weather conditions, as measured by chill index, significantly (P<0.01) affected lamb survival in 1984 but accounted for less variation in 1985 (P<0.05). Lamb survival for ewes was ranked BLM > TD > BD. Maximum survival was achieved at birth weights of 4-5 kg from BD and TD ewes and 5-6 kg from BLM ewes. The L treatment reduced (P<0.01) ewe greasy fleece weight by 0.15 kg but did not affect staple strength. Plasma glucose concentration at the end of treatment was lower (P<0.01) for L ewes, but there was no difference between L and H ewes in late pregnancy. Glucose declined with increasing fetal number. Plasma B-hydroxybutyrate concentration was lower for the H group than for L, and also for BLM than TD and BD ewes (P<0.01).

Parturition induction two days prior to term decreases birth weight and lactational growth, but not piglet maturity, health or post-weaning growth

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
G L Olson ◽  
L. Robine ◽  
L B Rosengren ◽  
C D Baker ◽  
M. Duggan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Liver Glycogen ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Weight Growth ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Premature parturition induction may adversely affect postnatal health and performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cloprostenol induction 2 d prior to term on piglet maturity (liver glycogen), postnatal productivity (birth weight, growth rate), and health (morbidity, mortality, passive antibody, fecal Clostridium perfringens). Two hundred and sixteen pregnant sows and their progeny (2827 piglets) were assigned to the study. Induction decreased gestation length 2.1 d (P < 0.0001), birth weight 107.2 g pig-1 (P = 0.0004), lactational growth 10.1 g d-1 (P = 0.05), and day 16 weight 0.30 kg pig-1 (P < 0.05). Liver glycogen concentration was 71.2 µg g-1 higher in the stillborns of induced sows (P = 0.03), suggesting the pre-term sows were catabolic. No group differences in post-weaning growth rate, pre-weaning mortality or morbidity, passive antibody transfer or fecal Clostridium perfringens level were found. Reduced lactational growth appeared attributable to the reductions in gestation length and birth weight, rather than in piglet maturity. In spite of reducing lactational growth and body weight at 16 d of age, the administration of cloprostenol 2 d prior to term, under the conditions of this study, resulted in no measureable long-term health or performance consequences. Key words: Porcine, parturition-induction, cloprostenol, prostaglandin F2α, glycogen, Clostridium perfringens

An evaluation of genetic variation in gestation length, birthweight and early growth in Scottish Blackface sheep

1996 ◽  
Vol 1996 ◽  
pp. 108-108
Author(s):  
P Johnston ◽  
J A Roden ◽  
A Murray ◽  
B Merrell ◽  
W Haresign
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Genetic Effects ◽  
Early Mortality ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Early Vigour ◽  
Breeding Programmes

Birth weight (BW) and gestation length (GL) have important implications for the survival and early vigour of the lamb, in turn affecting the early growth. In hill sheep BW and early growth have low heritabilities, when considered as a trait of the lamb. They are highly influenced by maternal genetic effects and non genetic effects such as litter size, date of birth and the environment. When studying hill sheep there are also problems obtaining accurate records of birth weights and early growth and it is normally impossible to obtain accurate measures of GL. Exploitation of the genetic variation in the traits BW, GL and early growth could be useful in breeding programmes to reduce early mortality and improve vigour in lambs.

Effect of Hemiovariectomy on reproductive performance in Chinchila Rabbits.

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-174
Author(s):  
C. A. Eze ◽  
C. P. Nwodo ◽  
E. O. Ogbu
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Right ◽  
Reproductive Indices

This work evaluates the effects of hemiovariectomi (37 some reproductive indices such as conception rate, birth weight and birth litter size in Chinchilla breed of rabbits. Thirty females and six males were used for the experiment. The males were examined for breeding soundness before using them to cross the females. The experiment was replicated in two batches of three groups of five females and a male each at different periods. Hemi-ovariectomy was carried out in the right ovary of 10 does (Group A) and left ovary of another 10 does (Group B). Ten females in Group C were not ovariectomised and served as the control group. All groups were served at reproductive maturity by rotating the bucks. Pregnancy was diagnosed using a standard method. The reproductive indices evaluated included conception rate, birth weight and birth litter size. Data were analyzed using percentages, ratios, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed where necessary. Results showed that hemi ovariectomy significantly (P<0.01) reduced the mean litter size, Group A (2.50+58), Group B (3.00+0.71), control (Group C) (6.20+0.84). However, there was increased mean litter birth weight which, differed significantly (P<0.01) from that of the control (27.06), Group A (33.64+1.86) and Group B (33.93=1.75). Also, the conception rate in the treated groups averaged 65% while the control was 80%. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the groups in the interval from the introduction of the huck to the does to the time of conception. It is concluded thai hemiovariectomy has negative effect on the conception rate and birth litter size but has positive effect on birth litter weight. The procedure has shown that in highly priced breed of animal with unilateral ovarian uilments such an animal can still be used for breeding using the healthy ovary: The procedure could also be a more reliable method of birth control in pet animals as well as a means of producing heavy weight offspring.

Influence of season, litter size, parity, gestation length, birth weight, sex and farrowing pen on frequency of congenital splayleg in piglets

1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Van Der Heyde ◽  
J.P. De Mets ◽  
L. Porreye ◽  
H. Henderickx ◽  
A. Calus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Gestation Length

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES OF BLACK BENGAL GOATS IN RAJSHAHI GOVERNMENT GOAT DEVELOPMENT FARM IN BANGLADESH

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-210
Author(s):  
M. I. Z. Moni ◽  
M. A. Samad
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Young Female ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Intensive System

Background: The Black Bengal goat (BBG) is well adapted food animals with profitable productive and reproductive traits being naturally reared to enhance economic status and food security in rural people. Bangladesh government has taken program through establishment of ‘Government Goat Development Farms’ (GGDF) to enhance the goat rearing activities of the smallholders at rural level but the research reports on the productive and reproductive performances of goats in these GGDF are very limited. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and reproductive performances of the BBG reared in semi-intensive system at the Rajshahi GGDF Materials and Methods: The Rajshahi GGDF had 398 goat populations of which 121 does were selected to study the productive and reproductive performances during the period from July 2010 to June 2011. The age of first estrus, conception rate by natural service, gestation length, post-partum heat, kidding interval, litter size, survivability of kids, morbidity and mortality of kids and their seasonal influence were studied. Results: The age of young female BBG showed 1st estrus varied from 180 to 270 with an average of 204  27 days. The conception rate varied from 88 to 100 with an average of 97% with natural services. The gestation length varied from 145 to 182 with an average of 150  5 days. The post-partum heat period varied from 60 to 90 days with an average of 69  7 days. The kidding interval varied from 199 to 268 with an average of 219  13 days. The litter size varied from 1 to 3 with an average of 2. Out of 234 kids borne, 47.44% were male and 52.56% female with higher mortality in male (10.81%) than female (5.69%) with an overall average mortality of 8.12%. There was no significant influence of season and parity on the birth weight of kids. However, the heavier birth weight of kids was recorded in male (1.38 kg) than female (1.17kg) kids. The birth of twin kids (56.41%) was found significantly (p < 0.0001) highest in comparison to triplets (26.92%), single (11.54%) and quadruplet (5.13%). Conclusions: The results support promising breeding and reproductive efficiency of BBG under local environmental conditions and therefore, there is a need to be improved milk yield of dam and control of morbidity and mortality in BBG kids. It may be concluded that the productive and reproductive performances of the BBG reared by using semi-intensive system of management appears to be encouraging at the Rajshahi GGDF which could be extended and compared to research findings with other four GGDF in Bangladesh.

EFFECT OF PRE-COPULATORY TREATMENT WITH AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF Spondias mombin ON GESTATIONAL CHARACSTERISTICS OF RABBITS

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87
Author(s):  
A. A. OLOYE ◽  
N. OBI
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Spondias Mombin ◽  
Average Litter Size ◽  
Aqueous Leaf Extract ◽  
And Control

Fifteen plurigravida rabbits weighing between 2.0 and 2.6 kg were used for the study of gestational characteristics after pre-copulatory oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Spondias mombin. The fifteen does were divided into three groups of five does per group. Four untreated reproductively proven bucks kept separately in different cages were used for copulation. Dosages administered were 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg for groups A and B respectively while distilled water was served to control group C. Mating, pregnancy diagnosis using ultrasound and determination of birth parameters were conducted subsequently at the end of extract treatment. Average litter size,birth weight and gestation length observed in all dosage groups had statistically similar values (p≥0.05).However, it is worth noting the relatively higher values of average litter size in 800mg/kg dosage group and control (5.60±0.40) compared to 400mg/kg group (5.40±0.75) and the highest birth weight value recorded for 800mg/kg (46.63±3.55) compared to 400mg\kg group (45.30±3.22) and control (42.38±3.74). It was concluded that pre-copulatory administration of aqueous leaf extract of Spondias mombin at dosages as high as 800mg/kg to rabbit does not have deleterious effect on its prolificacy and does have pro-fertility tendencies.        

scholarly journals [NO TITLE AVAILABLE]

2007 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 707-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
V De Conto ◽  
R Cerqueira
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Gompertz Model ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Males And Females

The reproduction, development and growth of Akodon lindberghi were studied in captivity. The colony was derived from animals captured in Simão Pereira, Minas Gerais state, which represents a new area of geographical distribution known for this species. Twelve males and twelve females were crossed, producing 144 young in 53 litters. Post-partum oestrus was observed and gestation length was estimated in 23 days. Litter size ranged from 1 to 4 with a mean of 2.72 (SD = 0.97, n = 53) and modal size of 3. Sexual dimorphism was neither present in body mass at birth nor at weaning. There was a significant negative correlation between litter size and mass at birth or weaning. Permanent emergence of adult external appearance occurred at 15 days. Puberty for males and females was 43 and 42 days, respectively, and the first fecundation event for two females was recorded at 47 and 54 days of age. The weight growth was described by fitting a Gompertz model. No significant difference was found in any parameter of growth curves for males and females. Measurements (head-body, tail, hind foot and internal and external ear lengths) obtained for adult individuals also did not reveal the presence of sexual dimorphism.

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