Tabuaciri, Poasa

Bunter, Kim

Graser, Hans

2013

A total of 1009 primi- and multiparous sows from two maternal (Large White and Landrace) and two terminal (Duroc and Large White) lines were recorded between early spring (N=494 sows) of 2009 and late summer (N=515 sows) of 2010. Approximately 84% of these sows farrowed within the experimental periods, producing 9133 piglets from 847 litters (610 sows). Both sow and piglet traits were recorded to investigate their associations with piglet survival until weaning, which was estimated from an inventory of individual piglet's deaths. Using logistic regression, in addition to season, line, and parity effects, both sow and piglet attributes were identified that had significant phenotypic associations with individual piglet survival until weaning. It was important to consider the sow and piglet attributes simultaneously to identify factors associated with piglet survival. Important sow factors included health pre-farrowing, interval between transfer and farrowing dates, and teat access. Piglet factors included birth weight, rectal temperature, body condition, ponderal index, skin colour, respiration, muscle tone, shivering, hydration level, fostering status, and gender. The genetic basis of the traits recorded was examined to identify which traits were heritable and potential selection criteria. Estimates of genetic correlations between traits can then be used to identify consequences of selection.

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/13526

en

Improving Pre-weaning Survival of Piglets Through Genetic Selection and Management

Thesis Doctoral

Publication