Genetic and economic evaluation of cross breeding schemes using an indirect selection criterion for feed efficiency in pigs

Abstract

<p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) as an indirect selection criterion. IGF-I is highly correlated with feed conversion ratio (FCR). The computer program ZPLAN was used to evaluate a range of scenarios with different recording strategies for IGF-I in males and females in dam and sire lines in a four-way cross breeding scheme. Furthermore, the effect of not recording FCR any more on profit per sow is shown for a number of genetic correlations assumed between FCR and IGF-I. The cost benefit-ratios and the amount of money necessary for investment are shown for the different schemes.</p> <p>Returns per sow are maximised when both traits, FCR and IGF-I, are recorded in all performance recorded animals in all purebred lines. However, this scenario requires a high input. By omitting measurements of FCR costs are reduced which leads to the highest profit per sow. The profit increased further, if the cost per IGF-I measurement decreased. The genetic correlation between FCR and IGF-I was gradually decreased from 0.66 to 0.44. In all cases, profit per sow was higher than profit per sow in the base situation where only FCR was recorded. Under the assumed parameters IGF-I is a useful indirect selection criterion for high genetic improvement of FCR leading to a higher profit in pig production.</p>