Effects of altrenogest treatments before and after weaning on follicular development, farrowing rate, and litter size in sows

In a previous study, we showed that follicle size at weaning affects the response of a sow to a short-term altrenogest treatment after weaning. In this study, an attempt was made to prevent the growth of follicles into larger size categories before weaning by using different altrenogest treatments before weaning to improve reproductive performance after postweaning altrenogest treatments. Sows (87 primiparous and 130 multiparous) were assigned to the following treatments: control (no altrenogest treatment; n=59), RU0-20 (20 mg of altrenogest from d -1 to 6; weaning=d 0; n=53), RU40-20 (40 mg of altrenogest from d -3 to 0 and 20 mg of altrenogest from d 1 to 6; n=53), and RU20-20 (20 mg of altrenogest from d -3 to 6; n=52). Follicle size was assessed daily with transabdominal ultrasound. Follicle sizes on d -3 (3.6 ± 0.7 mm) and at weaning (4.0 ± 0.7 mm) were similar for all treatments. Altrenogest-treated sows had larger follicles at the beginning of the follicular phase than did control sows [5.4 ± 0.1 and 3.8 ± 0.2 mm (least squares means), respectively; P < 0.0001] and on d 4 of the follicular phase [8.0 ± 0.1 and 6.7 ± 0.2 mm (least squares means), respectively; P < 0.0001]. Multiparous sows had larger follicles than did primiparous sows at the beginning of the follicular phase [5.3 ± 0.1 and 4.7 ± 0.1 mm (least squares means), respectively; P < 0.01] and on d 4 of the follicular phase [8.0 ± 0.1 and 7.0 ± 0.1 mm (least squares means), respectively; P < 0.0001]. Farrowing rate and litter size (born alive + dead) were not affected by treatment or parity. However, in primiparous sows, when mummies were included in litter size, altrenogest-treated sows had larger litters than did control sows (13.4 ± 0.5 and 11.9 ± 0.7 piglets, respectively; P=0.02). In primiparous control sows, backfat depth at weaning and litter size were positively related (slope of the regression line=0.82; P < 0.05), which was not the case in primiparous sows receiving altrenogest. In conclusion, the different altrenogest treatments before weaning did not prevent the growth of follicles before weaning and similarly affected subsequent follicle development and fertility. In primiparous sows, altrenogest treatment after weaning increased the number of fetuses during pregnancy, but positive effects seemed limited by uterine capacity. Altrenogest treatment after weaning improved litter size in primiparous sows with reduced backfat depth at weaning, which suggests a specific positive effect of a recovery period after weaning in sows with reduced BCS at weaning.     

Split-weaning before altrenogest synchronization of multiparous sows alters follicular development and reduces embryo survival

This study used split-weaning (SW) to induce differences in follicle size at weaning and study its consequences for follicle development during and after post-weaning altrenogest feeding and for reproductive performance. Multiparous sows (n=47) were assigned to SW (n=23; litter size reduced to the six smallest piglets 3 days before weaning) or control (C; n=24; normal weaning). Altrenogest (20 mg/day) was fed to all 47 sows from Day -1 till Day 5 (complete weaning = Day 0). Follicle size on Day 1, 2 and 8 was smaller in C than in SW (p ≤ 0.05). Ovulation rate was similar, but C sows had higher embryo survival rate (ESR) than SW sows (83 ± 19 and 58 ± 31%, respectively; p=0.001). SW sows with low ESR (<63%; n=10) had a greater follicle size on days 3-6 than SW sows with high ESR (>63%; n=10; p ≤ 0.04). A decrease in follicle size between Day 5 and 6 of altrenogest feeding was associated with increased ESR in both treatments (p=0.002). Follicle pool analyses (assessment of all follicles >2 mm) revealed that on Day 3, sows with low ESR had a higher % of follicles >5 mm compared with sows with high ESR (30% vs 10%; p=0.04). Thus, sows in which follicle growth was less suppressed during altrenogest feeding had a lower ESR. These effects on follicle development and ESR were more pronounced in split-weaned sows.     

Traits affecting postweaning weight gain and feed intake of primiparous sows

Seventy-six primiparous Duroc and Landrace sows from two genetic lines with or without selection for improved sow productivity were used to identify sow traits that affect postweaning gain (positive or negative) and feed intake. Sows lost weight (P less than .01) and consumed less feed (P less than .01) during wk 1 postweaning (37 d) compared with wk 2, 3, and 4. Sows gained more weight during wk 2 and 3 (P less than .01) than during wk 4. Weekly feed consumption was similar during wk 2 and 4 and highest during wk 3 (P less than .05). Sow weight gain postweaning was predicted by sow weaning weight (P less than .01) and adjusted 21-d litter weight (P less than .05) during wk 1, wk 1 to 2, and wk 1 to 4 feeding periods. Feed consumption was best predicted by adjusted litter weaning weight (P less than .01), sow weaning weight (P less than .01), average backfat at farrowing (P less than .01), average backfat change (P less than .05), and adjusted 21-d litter weight (P less than .05). Feed intake was positively correlated (P less than .01; r = .77) and sow weight at breeding, farrowing, and weaning was negatively correlated (P less than .05; r = -.23, -.21, and -.26, respectively) with sow weight gain. Average backfat at weaning was negatively correlated (P less than .05) with gain and feed intake during each period. Adjusted 21-d litter weight and adjusted litter weaning weight were positively correlated with postweaning feed intake (P less than .05; r = .22 and .23, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of postweaning dietary energy source on reproductive traits in primiparous sows

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of major dietary energy source fed from weaning to ovulation or from ovulation to d 35 of pregnancy on reproductive traits in primiparous sows. Dietary energy sources were used to manipulate the plasma insulin concentration. One hundred thirteen sows were used in a split-plot design. From weaning to ovulation sows were fed at two times maintenance either a diet with tallow (Fat) or maize starch plus dextrose (Starch) as the major energy source. From ovulation onward, sows within each dietary group were alternately reassigned to either the Fat or the Starch diet and were fed at 1.25 times maintenance. Estrus detection was performed three times a day from d 3 to 9 after weaning and sows were inseminated each day of standing estrus. On d 35 of pregnancy, the sows were slaughtered and their reproductive tracts were removed. Plasma insulin concentration was higher in sows fed the Starch-rich diet than in sows fed the Fat-rich diet on d 4 after weaning (1.30 vs 0.97 ng/mL, P = 0.08) and on d 32 of pregnancy (1.20 vs 0.51 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Plasma glucose and IGF-I concentration on d 4 after weaning and d 32 of pregnancy did not differ between sows on the two dietary energy sources. The percentage of sows exhibiting estrus within 9 d after weaning was 52 and 67% for the Fat and Starch diet before ovulation, respectively (P = 0.11), whereas the weaning-to-estrus interval was 134 vs 123 h, respectively (P = 0.12). Survival analysis showed that sows fed the Fat-rich diet had a 1.6 times higher risk to remain anestrous until d 9 after weaning than sows fed the Starch-rich diet (P = 0.04). No effect of dietary energy source, either before or after ovulation, on uterine, placental, or embryonal development on d 35 of pregnancy was found. It can be concluded that the dietary energy source provided after weaning can affect the risk of sows to remain anestrous but does not affect uterine, placental, or embryonic traits.     

Insulin sensitivity during pregnancy, lactation, and postweaning in primiparous gilts

The objectives were to examine changes in the insulin response during pregnancy, lactation, and postweaning in an experiment involving 10 primiparous Landrace x Large White gilts. Gilts were catheterized at 50 d of pregnancy, and tests were conducted at approximately 59 d of pregnancy (midpregnancy; MP), 106 d of pregnancy (end of pregnancy; EP), 17 d of lactation (L), and 9 d after weaning (PW), respectively. Changes in plasma glucose, insulin, and NEFA concentrations were studied after 3 different tests: ingestion of 1.3 kg of feed (meal test); a glucose tolerance test; and 2 euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp tests, in which 20 and 55 ng of insulin x kg of BW(-1) x min(-1) were infused during 150 min. Fasting concentrations of plasma glucose were less during L than during the other stages (P < 0.001). Concentrations of glucose and insulin increased after ingestion of the meal and decreased thereafter. Plasma insulin returned to basal concentrations at all stages, whereas glucose reached basal concentrations before the end of the meal at the PW test only. Postprandial concentrations of plasma glucose and area under the curve for insulin were greater during L than at the other stages (P < 0.05); both tended to be greater during EP than during MP or after weaning. Concentrations of NEFA were greater during L than at other stages before as well as after a meal (P < 0.001). Glucose half-life was greatest during L, least during MP and PW, and intermediate during EP. Compared with other stages, insulin secretion during the tolerance tests seemed to be delayed during L and, to a lesser extent, at EP. Irrespective of insulin dose, glucose infusion rates during the clamps did not differ between MP and PW, and were greater than during EP and L (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of NEFA decreased less rapidly during L than during the other stages. Gilts from EP developed a state of insulin resistance that was further accentuated during L. Changes in insulin responsiveness at MP, EP, and L may be an adaptation that allows gilts to acclimate to the increasing demand of glucose by the growing conceptus and the even greater demands of lactation.     

Influence of litter size on metabolic status and reproductive axis in primiparous sows

This study on primiparous sows was designed to 1) determine the impact of nursing a large litter on LH secretion and follicular development, and 2) investigate the metabolic adaptations by which milk yield increases with litter size. At farrowing, crossbred, primiparous sows were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups differing in litter size and feed allowance. Sows with 13 or 14 piglets (13AL, n = 7) were fed ad libitum. Sows with 7 piglets were fed ad libitum (7AL, n = 6) or were feed-restricted (7R, n = 8). The restriction was based on the estimated energy deficiency for the 13AL sows. On d 9 +/- 1 of lactation, a jugular catheter was surgically implanted. Serial blood samplings and glucose tolerance tests were performed in mid- and late lactation. Sows were slaughtered 3 d after weaning, and ovarian characteristics were recorded. During lactation, the 7AL sows lost no or little body reserves, and their estimated energy balance was near zero. The 13AL and 7R sows exhibited similar negative energy balances and similar losses of backfat and estimated lipid content. Litter growth rate was greater (P < 0.05) in the 13AL than in the 7AL and 7R groups. After weaning, the volume of the largest 14 follicles was smaller (P < 0.05) in sows nursing 13 or 14 piglets than in sows with 7 piglets. Plasma concentrations of LH and LH pulse frequency did not differ between groups (P > 0.1). The longer glucose half-life on d 16 than on d 27 of lactation (22.5 vs. 18.8 min; P < 0.05) indicated a lower glucose tolerance in mid- than in late lactation. The area under the insulin curve was greater in the 7AL than in the 13AL sows (P = 0.08) and intermediate in the 7R group, with no differences in glucose profiles. This led to the suggestion that the 7AL sows were more resistant to insulin than the 13AL sows. In all groups of sows, follicular development after weaning was correlated with LH secretion in midlactation. Active follicular development was associated with prolonged secretion of insulin in response to glucose challenge. Our results show that besides litter size, a sow's metabolic status in lactation influences follicular maturation after weaning and also indicate that the metabolic adaptations by which primiparous sows nursing large litters increase litter growth rate and body reserve mobilization do not involve an accentuated peripheral insulin resistance.     

Impact of dietary lysine intake during lactation on follicular development and oocyte maturation after weaning in primiparous sows

Primiparous sows (n = 36) were used to evaluate the effects of dietary lysine intake in lactation on follicular development and oocyte maturation after weaning. Sows were assigned randomly to one of three diets containing .4% (low lysine, LL), 1.0% (medium lysine, ML), or 1.6% (high lysine, HL) total lysine. All diets contained 2.1 Mcal NE/kg and exceeded NRC (1988) requirements for all other nutrients. Actual lysine intakes over an 18-d lactation were 16, 36, and 56 g/d for sows consuming LL, ML, and HL, respectively. Ovarian data were analyzed for sows determined to have been slaughtered during the first proestrus period after weaning, using previously established criteria. Compared with sows fed ML and HL, sows fed LL tended to have lower uterine weight, follicular fluid volume, and follicular fluid (FF) estradiol (E2) content (P < .15), but similar ovarian weight and follicular fluid IGF-I concentration. Within the largest 15 preovulatory follicles, sows fed LL had a lower percentage of large (> or = 7.0 mm) follicles (33 vs 50 and 58%; P < .01) and a higher percentage of medium (5.5 to 7.0 mm) follicles (62 vs 44 and 39%; P < .01) but a similar percentage of small (< or = 5.5 mm) follicles (4.4 vs 5.9 and 3.7%; P > .15), respectively, compared with sows fed ML or HL. Standardized pools of oocytes aspirated from follicles of prepubertal gilts were incubated for 44 h with pooled FF recovered from the largest 15 follicles of each experimental sow. Fewer oocyte nuclei matured to metaphase II of meiosis when cultured with FF recovered from sows fed LL, than from sows fed ML or HL (47.1 vs 59.8 and 63.8%, respectively; P < .01). Our results suggest that low lysine (protein) intake in primiparous lactating sows impaired follicular development and reduced the ability of follicles to support oocyte maturation. However, high compared with medium lysine (protein) intake had no further positive effects on ovarian function.     

Influence of follicular ablation during lactation on postweaning interval to estrus, ovulation rate, and endocrine function in sows

Duroc sows farrowed second litters in March and lactated 35 +/- 2 days. At 36 hr before weaning, electrocautery of follicles greater than or equal to 3 mm in diameter (n = 8) or sham surgery (n = 5) was performed to test the hypothesis that ablation of medium-sized follicles would prolong the duration of postweaning anestrus. Number of follicles and diameters at surgery were: 1.3 +/- .6 (greater than 5 mm diameter), 26 +/- 1 (3 to 5 mm) and greater than 20 (less than 3 mm). Blood samples were collected at 15 min intervals for 3 hr beginning at -12, 0, 12, 60 and 96 hr from weaning. Interval to estrus was 3.4 +/- .2 days in seven of eight cauterized sows and 3.6 +/- .6 days for sham-surgery sows. The remaining cauterized sow was anestrus at slaughter, 40 days after weaning. Number of corpora lutea and pregnancy rate were 15.8 +/- .6 and 92%, respectively, and were similar between sham-surgery and cauterized sows. Concentration of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) at 12 hr before weaning was greater in sows subjected to electrocautery than for sham-surgery sows, but FSH values were similar at other sampling times. Concentrations of estradiol were similar at all times for both treatment groups. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was higher (P less than .05) at 60 hr in cauterized sows because of the onset of the preovulatory LH surge in one sow. We conclude that destruction of medium-sized ovarian follicles before weaning did not influence postweaning reproductive performance.     

Effects of breeding at the second oestrus or after post-weaning hormonal treatment with altrenogest on subsequent reproductive performance of primiparous sows

This study investigated the effects of breeding at the second oestrus after weaning or after feeding an orally active progestagen (altrenogest) on the subsequent reproductive performance of primiparous sows. After 3 weeks of lactation, 663 weaned sows of two genotypes were allocated into three groups: G1--breeding at the first oestrus after weaning; G2--breeding at the second oestrus after weaning and G3--treatment with altrenogest for 5 days after weaning and breeding at the first oestrus after the end of the treatment. Body weight at breeding was lower in G1 and G3 than in G2 sows (p < 0.05). The interval to show oestrus was similar for G1 and G2 groups (p > 0.05) but higher (p < 0.05) than that observed in G3 group. Within genotype A, percentages of females in oestrus within 10 days were not different (p > 0.05) among groups, whereas in genotype B, more G1 and G2 sows (p < 0.05) showed oestrus than G3 sows. In both genotypes, lower farrowing rates were observed in G3 than in G1 and G2 sows (p < 0.05) and a greater litter size (p < 0.05) was observed in G2 sows. In genotype A, the number of total born piglets was similar for G1 and G3 groups (p > 0.05), whereas in genotype B, G1 sows had a greater litter size than G3 sows (p < 0.05). Body weight at weaning and at breeding was similar (p > 0.05) between farrowed and non-farrowed sows in all groups. Reproductive performance is not improved in primiparous sows treated with altrenogest during 5 days after weaning. The reproductive performance of genotype B sows is compromised in Control and Altrenogest-treated sows but not in those bred at the second oestrus after mating. Breeding at the second oestrus after weaning allows primiparous sows to gain weight between weaning and service, and increases their farrowing rate and subsequent litter size.     

不同剂量烯丙孕素对后备母猪同期化发情、体质量及繁殖性能的影响

为了探究不同剂量的烯丙孕素对后备母猪同期化发情、体质量及繁殖性能的影响,试验选取150头后备母猪,随机均分为5个试验组,每组饲喂0,10,15,20,25 mg/(d ?头)的烯丙孕素口服液.结果显示,在口服烯丙孕素15 mg/(d ?头)的剂量时,母猪的同期发情率最高为96.67％,受配率、受胎率及分娩率均为100....     

Effect of gilt development diet on the reproductive performance of primiparous sows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of development diet on first-parity reproductive performance across different genetic types of females. Gilts (n = 708) 8 to 15 d of age from five genetic lines were assembled using a segregated early weaning protocol. Genetic types represented industry variation for reproductive capacity and lean growth potential. Sampling procedures were not designed to evaluate performance differences among the genetic lines. When the gilts weighed approximately 20 kg, they were moved from the nursery facilities to a slotted-floor, environmentally controlled facility, and seven to eight animals within a genetic type were penned together. When the gilts weighed approximately 40 kg, they were moved to a modified open-front facility. Nineteen gilts were allotted to each pen (.92 m2 per pig). Gilts were assigned to one of three development diets at 120 d of age. Diet 1 (high energy, 18% CP) and Diet 2 (high energy, 13% CP) were provided for ad libitum consumption to the assigned gilts until they weighed approximately 113 kg. Gilts receiving Diet 3 (23% CP) were fed 1.8 kg/d from 82 kg until they reached 180 d of age (approximately 100 kg). Gilts were fed 2 kg daily of a gestation diet from 180 d to 200 d of age and 2.7 kg daily from 200 d until mating. To stimulate the estrus cycle, gilts were commingled and exposed to vasectomized boars beginning at 180 d of age. Gilts that were in estrus and 210 d of age or older were artificially inseminated with commercial semen. Gilts not detected in estrus within the first 50 d of observation were injected with PG600 and estrus detection continued for 30 additional days. Of the 657 gilts entering breeding pens, 422 farrowed. Bred gilts were distributed to 10 cooperator facilities before farrowing. Mixed model procedures were used to analyze the data. Significant (P < .05) genetic type x gilt development diet interactions were found for number of pigs born, number of pigs born alive, total litter birth weight, and litter birth weight of pigs born alive. Significant interactions consistently involved one genetic line and gilt development Diets 1 and 2. Gilts from this genetic line-diet subclass had poorer farrowing performance (P < .05) than gilts from the same line fed development Diet 3. Only two other significant genetic line x gilt development diet interactions were found. Gilt development diet had little influence on first-parity reproductive performance.     

Effect of protein intake during gestation on mammary development of primiparous sows.

The effect of protein intake during gestation on mammary development was evaluated using 17 Landrace x Yorkshire gilts. On d 25 of gestation, gilts were allocated to dietary treatments consisting of levels of protein to achieve lysine intakes of approximately 4, 8, or 16 g/d. Diets provided similar amounts of ME (6.5 Mcal/d) and all other nutrients. On d 105 of gestation, gilts were bled through venipuncture to collect blood samples for analyses of blood metabolites (glucose, NEFA, blood urea nitrogen [BUN]), and metabolic hormones (insulin and IGF-I). Gilts were slaughtered between d 105 and 110 of gestation for complete collection of mammary glands. All mammary glands were carefully removed and separated from each other along the midline. One side was weighed, immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -70 degrees C until further processing. Frozen glands were sliced, and parenchymal tissue was separated and pooled across glands within sow, homogenized, and analyzed for DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations as indices of mammary development. Results showed no effect (P > . 10) of level of lysine intake on amount of mammary parenchymal tissue or on concentration or total amount of DNA, RNA, and protein. This experiment did not detect differences between treatments in mammary development as measured by nucleic acids and protein. Therefore, there was no effect of the amount of protein intake by gilts on mammary development. Regression analyses failed to detect any relationships between measures of mammary development and levels of metabolites or metabolic hormones.     

Clinical and endocrinological studies in primiparous post partum sows. Effects of lactation length and litter size

The object of this investigation was to determine the relationships between clinical findings and hormonal patterns in primiparous sows with different lactation length and litter size during lactation, weaning and to the first oestrus. Seven pairs of primiparous full sib sows were used to determine the effect of lactation length with normal litter size. One sow of each pair was assigned to nurse the piglets for 3 weeks (group A) while the other nusred for 5 weeks (group B). Another 8 primiparous sows (group C) were assigned to nurse 2–4 piglets during a 5-week lactation period. Oestrus detection was performed twice daily and laparoscopic examination every 2 weeks. If the sows did not come in oestrus within 3 weeks after weaning they were slaughtered. Peripheral plasma levels of progesterone, oestradiol-17β and LH were estimated by radioimmunoassays throughout the experimental period.     

不同苜蓿草粉水平对初产母猪生产和繁殖性能的影响

为了探讨初产母猪的后备期、妊娠期饲粮中不同比例的苜蓿草粉,对其生长性能和繁殖性能的影响,试验选用640头日龄110 d、体重45 kg左右的健康后备母猪(长×大),采用单因子完全随机设计,分为4个处理,分别为:对照组(0%草粉组)、5%草粉组、10%草粉组、15%草粉组,每个处理4个重复,每个重复40头猪。妊娠期选取增重和发情较好的5%草粉组后备期母猪,发情配种后分为对照Ⅰ组(0%草粉组)、10%草粉组、15%草粉组、20%草粉组,后备期对照组母猪继续作为妊娠期的对照组,共5个处理,每个处理4个重复,每个重复3头猪。结果表明:1)在后备期45~70 kg阶段,试验组的采食量均低于对照组,随着苜蓿草粉用量的增加,采食量依次下降;5%草粉组的日增重显著高于、料重比显著低于10%和15%草粉组(P<0.05),但与对照组无显著差异;3个试验组中,只有5%草粉组的增重成本低于对照组,且使用苜蓿草粉愈多,成本愈高。在后备期70~130 kg阶段,无论是采食量还是日增重,3个试验组均低于对照组,随着草粉用量增加,采食量和日增重均依次下降,其中10%和15%草粉组显著低于对照组(P<0.05),但与5%草粉组差异不显著;3个试验组的料重比和增重成本均高于对照组,且有随着苜蓿草粉用量增加而依次增加的趋势,其中15%草粉组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。添加5%的苜蓿草粉对母猪发情率有改善,但各组之间差异不显著。2)在妊娠期阶段,草粉组的背膘增厚显著高于对照组和对照Ⅰ组(P<0.05);对照Ⅰ组和10%、15%、20%苜蓿草粉组的初生活仔率均显著高于对照组,初生窝重分别比对照组提高了14.88%、6.89%、12.31%、24.48%,弱仔率分别降低了53.44%、36.39%、87.37%、62.78%,尽管均未达到显著差异程度,但说明后备期饲粮中使用苜蓿草粉对妊娠期母猪产仔数及仔猪健康有良好的后续效应,后备期用5%苜蓿草粉妊娠期使用20%苜蓿草粉效果最佳。综合得出,后备期添加5%的苜蓿草粉不会影响后备母猪生长但会提高发情率,后备期添加5%草粉妊娠期不添加时,母猪的繁殖效果也得到改善;妊娠期添加20%的苜蓿草粉产活仔率和初生窝重最佳。     

母猪妊娠期背膘厚度对仔猪均匀度及繁殖性能的影响

为研究母猪不同阶段的背膘厚度与仔猪均匀度及部分繁殖性能之间的关系,试验采用二次项回归拟合的方法,对9458头纯种长白母猪和13317头纯种大白母猪的分娩、背膘厚度进行分析。结果表明:母猪背膘厚度处于合理的范围有利于提高其产仔性能和窝产仔均匀度,母猪过肥和过瘦均不利母猪繁殖效率的提高。该场的长白母猪配种当天、妊娠30日龄、妊娠80日龄和妊娠105日龄背膘厚度分别为14.0~18.0mm、15.0~20.0mm、16.0~20.0mm、17.0~20.0mm更有利于仔猪均匀度及母猪繁殖性能的提高;该场的大白母猪配种当天、妊娠30日龄、妊娠80日龄和妊娠105日龄背膘厚度分别为13.0~16.0mm、14.0~17.0mm、15.0~18.0mm、15.0~19.0mm更有利于仔猪均匀度及母猪繁殖性能的提高。妊娠期间的背膘厚度对仔猪均匀度及繁殖性能有一定影响,但母猪产仔性能最好的背膘状态并不是产仔均匀度最佳值。     

Genetic analysis of litter size, parturition length, and birth assistance requirements in primiparous sows using a joint linear-threshold animal model

The aim of this study was to investigate whether selection for number of live born piglets has led to prolonged parturition and increased requirement for birth assistance, resulting in increased numbers of stillborn piglets. Data were collected from 6,718 primiparous Norwegian Landrace sows farrowing between 2001 and 2003. The need for birth assistance was recorded as a binary response. Physical intervention in the birth of piglets and/or hormonal treatment by the farmer was recorded as birth assistance. The duration of the parturition was analyzed as a binary trait (<4 h and >4 h). The statistical model used for analysis included contemporary groups of herd-year, litter breed, season of farrowing, parity in which the sow was born, a regression on the age of sow at farrowing, an additive genetic effect, and a service sire effect. A full Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling was adopted to estimate the genetic relationships between these four traits. A total chain length of 100,000 iterations was run. The first 10,000 samples were discarded as burn-in, and the remaining 90,000 iterations were retained without thinning for post-Gibbs analysis. The highest direct heritability was estimated for the number of live-born piglets (h2 = 0.07), followed by the duration of farrowing (h2 = 0.05), the need for birth assistance (h2 = 0.05), and the number of stillborn piglets (h2 = 0.04). The genetic correlations revealed that the number of live and stillborn piglets was uncorrelated; however, the number of live piglets born had a moderate genetic correlation to the need for birth assistance (rg = 0.24 +/- 0.01) and duration of farrowing (rg = -0.20 +/- 0.01), whereas the number of stillborn piglets was highly correlated to the need for birth assistance (rg = 0.74 +/- 0.01) and the duration of parturition (rg = 0.66 +/- 0.01). The duration of farrowing and the need for birth assistance were genetically highly correlated (rg = 0.89 +/- 0.00). For all traits, the service sire variance was approximately one quarter in magnitude compared with its respective genetic variance. The results showed that selection for the number of live born piglets is not expected to influence the number of stillborn piglets. Increasing the number of live piglets born through selection should have a slight negative effect on farrowing duration and a minor increase in the need for birth assistance. Sows with a high genetic potential for birth assistance and prolonged parturition were more likely to give birth to greater numbers of stillborn piglets.