Body composition in non-reproductive adult males and females in a long-term selection experiment for litter size in mice

Earlier studies have shown that adult mice from a line selected for high litter size (S-line), in particular females, had higher residual food intake (RFI) than mice from a non-selected control line (C-line). It was suggested that this increase in RFI, in particular the mature selected females, may anticipate the metabolically stressful periods of pregnancy and lactation. The present study investigated whether body composition at maturity has been changed as a correlated response to selection, in order to support the offspring during pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, part of the observed differences between individuals in RFI may be attributable to differing proportions of body protein and lipid. For these reasons, differences in body composition at maturity between males and females of the S-line and the C-line were investigated. Lipid percentage was similar for C-line animals and S-line females; S-line males had a significantly lower lipid percentage. Males had a higher protein percentage than females, in particular S-line males. The results show that body composition in adult non-reproductive females has not been affected as a correlated effect of selection for high litter size. Furthermore, the results suggest that the high lean content in S-line males may explain part of the high RFI compared with C-line animals. Body composition in S-line females probably does not explain the high RFI compared with S-line males and C-line animals. Factors other than protein and lipid levels must be responsible for the differences found between the lines and sexes in RFI.     

Effects of genetic line and supplemental dietary fat on lactation performance of Duroc and Landrace sows.

A total of 124 Duroc and 99 Landrace primiparous and multiparous sows were assigned, within breed and contemporary group, to control (N) or 10% added fat (F) diets on d 105 of gestation based on parity and genetic line (control or selected for improved sow productivity), to determine the effects of genetic line and fat addition to the lactation diet on sow and litter performance. Weekly feed intake was not affected (P greater than .10) by genetic line for Duroc and Landrace sows but feed intake was reduced (P = .08) during wk 1 to 4 for Duroc sows and during wk 1 and 4 for Landrace sows (P less than .05) when they were fed diet F compared with diet N. Select (S)-line Duroc and Landrace sows lost more weight during lactation (P less than .01) than did control (C)-line sows. Select-line Landrace sows lost more backfat during lactation (P less than .05) than did C-line sows. Landrace sows lost less weight during lactation (P less than .05) when fed diet F than when fed diet N. The total number of pigs born, born alive, and alive at 21 d and at weaning were higher (P less than .01) for S-line Duroc sows, and litter size at 21 d and at weaning was higher (P less than .01) for S-line Landrace sows than for C-line litters within each breed. Pig survival from birth to weaning was increased (P = .07) for Duroc sows fed diet F but not for Landrace sows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The relationship of food intake during growth and food intake at maturity with lactation food intake in a mouse model

Selection for increased leanness and improved food efficiency in pigs has resulted in a decreased voluntary food intake. It has been argued that voluntary food intake during lactation should be considered in sow breeding programmes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenotypic correlation of food intake during growth and food intake at maturity with maximum lactation food intake in a mouse model. A total of 179 records were available on female mice selected for litter size at birth (S-line) and non-selected control females (C-line) from 3 weeks of age to 21 days in lactation. Half of the litters were standardized to eight pups per litter (s) and half were not standardized (ns). Growth intake was measured as the average intake between 21 and 42 days of age, mature intake was measured from a linear regression of food intake against age between 42 and 69 days of age, and lactation intake was measured as a linear regression of food intake against days in lactation between 5 and 14 days in lactation. In both lines, females with a higher growth intake also had a higher mature intake (r = 0.63 to 0.75, P < 0.0001). Lactation intake was related with growth intake and mature intake in Sns females (r = 0.50 and 0.46, P < 0.01) and with growth intake in Ss females (r = 0.32, P < 0.05). In both lines, lactation intake was highly correlated with litter weight (r = 0.48 to 0.94, P < 0.001). Sns and Ss females with higher growth intake supported larger litter weights during lactation (r = 0.32 and 0.30, respectively, P < 0.05) and Sns females with higher mature intakes tended to support larger litter weights (r = 0.28, P = 0.060). It is suggested that lactating C-line females eat to support a given litter size, while S-line females support the maximum litter weight that is allowed for by their intake capacity, and still produce at high levels when litters are standardized. Since lactating sows mobilise body reserves, the relationship of food intake during growth with that during lactation may be reflected in the relationship between growth intake and body condition.     

Intermittent suckling: effects on piglet and sow performance before and after weaning

An experiment was conducted to study effects of intermittent suckling on creep feed intake and weight gain of litters. Loss of weight and backfat during lactation, as well as reproductive performance, were also measured. Batches of multiparous sows (Parity 1 to 12, 4.1 on average) were either suckled intermittently (IS, eight batches; n = 50) or continuously (control, eight batches; n = 62). Litters were weaned at 27 +/- 2 d of age, on average. Litter size (11.1 +/- 0.2 piglets, on average) was standardized within a batch within 3 d of birth. All litters had free access to creep feed and water from 1 wk of age onward. In the IS group, litters were separated from the sow for a period of 12 h/d (0930 to 2130), starting 11 d before weaning. Rectal ultrasonography was applied at d 3 after weaning to check the ovaries for follicle development or presence of corpora lutea. Creep feed intake by the litters during lactation was higher in IS litters than in control litters (686 +/- 57 vs. 314 +/- 42 g/piglet, P < 0.01). The distribution of creep feed intake shifted from a skewed one, with a majority of litters consuming less than 250 g/piglet in control litters, to a normal distribution, with an average creep feed intake of 500 to 750 g/piglet in IS litters. During the 7 d after weaning, creep feed intake in IS litters was also higher (281 +/- 15 vs. 204 +/- 9 g-piglet(-1) x d(-1), P < 0.01). The ADG of piglets during lactation was negatively affected by IS, resulting in lower weight at weaning (7,229 +/- 140 vs. 7,893 +/- 145 g/piglet, P < 0.05). During the 7 d after weaning, however, ADG was higher in IS litters (255 +/- 10 vs. 177 +/- 8 g-piglet-1 x d(-1), P < 0.01), and 7 d after weaning, the weights of the litters were similar (9,011 +/- 167 vs. 9,132 +/- 164 g/ piglet, P = 0.81). The IS litters that consumed little or no feed during lactation had an ADG after lactation that was higher than in control litters, with comparable creep feed intake during lactation: 204 vs. 136 g/d. Body weight loss by the sows during lactation was lower in IS sows (-10 +/- 2 vs. -16 +/- 1 kg, P < 0.05). A higher percentage of IS sows ovulated during lactation (22 vs. 3%, P < 0.01), and weaning-to-ovulation interval (excluding sows with lactational ovulation) was shorter in IS sows (4.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.3 +/- 0.2 d, P < 0.05). We conclude that IS increased creep feed intake during lactation, and that IS increased ADG after weaning, despite lower weaning weights. Ovulation during lactation was induced in 22% of the IS sows.     

Effect of dietary crude protein level on the reproductive performance and growth of New Zealand white rabbits

An experiment utilizing 391 preweaning and 187 postweaning litter records from 145 does was conducted for 12 mo to determine the effect of dietary crude protein level on performance of commercial New Zealand White rabbits. Does and their litters were fed alfalfa-based pelleted diets containing either 17.5, 19 or 20.5% crude protein (CP). In a separate experiment, the 17.5 and 20.5% CP diets were fed during lactation to 10 does to determine nitrogen (N) digestibility and retention. Body weights of does fed 17.5% CP were lower (P less than .01) than for the other treatments after 21 and 28 d of lactation. No differences (P greater than .10) were observed for doe weight at kindling, percentage fertility, litter size, preweaning litter mortality, 1- to 21-d consumption, preweaning feed efficiency and 28- to 56-d average daily consumption, average daily gain and average weight. Total born tended to be higher (P = .07) on higher protein levels but percentage born alive was greatest (P less than .01) on the 17.5% CP diet. Does fed 19% CP tended to have a greater number of parities (P = .06). Other significant differences observed for preweaning litter traits were between 17.5 and 19% CP groups. Does fed 19% CP had heavier litters at birth (P less than .01), at 21 d (P = .05) and 28 d (P = .06) and had greater 1- to 21-d litter gains and 21- to 28-d consumption (P = .05) than those fed 17.5% CP. For postweaning performance, feed efficiency values were lowest and mortality was highest for litters fed 20.5% CP. When litters were switched to different diets after weaning, mortality tended to be higher (P = .07) for animals that were fed 20.5% CP before weaning. The month of experiment effect did not influence any of the characters studied (P greater than .05). Parity number was important for percentage fertility, percentage born alive, litter birth weight and doe weight at 21 and 28 d (P less than .05). Does at first parity showed the poorest performance for all traits (except percentage fertility). Fertility fluctuated throughout the first four parities and then steadily declined. Does fed 20.5% CP had greater apparent dry matter and acid detergent fiber digestibilities and N intakes (P less than .05) and retained 90% more N during lactation (P = .22) than does fed 17.5% CP. Milk production and CP digestibility did not differ between the two diets tested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Response to intensity of reproduction in mouse lines resistant or susceptible to fescue toxicosis

Our objective was to examine whether mouse lines divergently selected for response to fescue toxicosis differed in the impact of increasing reproductive intensity on growth, final weight or first and second parity reproduction. Resistant (R) and susceptible (S) females were never mated (NR), mated only once (low reproduction, LR), mated after their first litter was weaned (moderate reproduction, MR) or paired continuously with a male (high reproduction, HR), allowing concurrent pregnancy and lactation. Final weight was significantly higher in mated than in not mated females (31.6 ± 0.6, 35.9 ± 0.6, 36.8 ± 0.6 and 37.2 ± 0.5 g for NR, LR, MR and HR females respectively), but the effect of increasing reproductive intensity was similar in both lines. Neither genetic line, reproductive treatment (LR and MR versus HR) nor their interaction affected first parity traits of dams or pups. In second parity, S dams produced larger litters at birth and weaning and heavier litters at birth than R dams, and MR dams produced more pups and heavier litters than HR dams. As with first litters, however, line by reproductive treatment interactions were not significant or important. Concurrent pregnancy and lactation (the HR treatment) had a similar dampening impact on the expected increase in litter size between first and second parity of both lines. Thus, lines divergently selected for toxicosis response did not differ significantly in the impact of increasing reproductive intensity on dam or pup growth, reproductive output through two parities or mature size. This conclusion should not be generalized. Selection responses in livestock should be monitored to ensure that improvement in one trait does not lead to deterioration in others.     

Responses to 19 generations of litter size selection in the Nebraska Index line. I. Reproductive responses estimated in pure line and crossbred litters

Our objective was to estimate responses in reproductive traits in the Nebraska Index line (I) after 19 generations of selection for increased litter size. Responses were estimated in dams producing pure line, F1, and three-way cross litters. A total of 850 litters were produced over six year-seasons, including 224 pure line litters, 393 F1 litters produced from I and C females mated with Danbred NA Landrace (L) or Duroc-Hampshire (T) boars, and 233 litters by F1 L x I and L x C females mated with T boars. Contrasts of means were used to estimate the genetic difference between I and C and interactions of line differences with mating type. Farrowing rates of lines I (u = 91.0%) and C (u = 92.8%) did not differ. Averaged across all genetic groups, mean number born alive per litter was 10.1 pigs, and number and weight of pigs weaned per litter, both adjusted for number nursed and weaning age of 12 d, were 9.7 pigs and 34.4 kg, respectively. Averaged across mating types, direct genetic effects of I were greater than C (P < 0.05) for total born (3.53 pigs), number born alive (2.53 pigs), number of mummified pigs (0.22 pig), and litter birth weight (2.14 kg). The direct genetic effect of line I was less than C (P < 0.05) for litter weaning weight (-1.88 kg). Interactions of line effects with crossing system were significant (P < 0.05) for total number born, number of stillborn pigs, number weaned, and litter weaning weight. In pure line litters, I exceeded C by 4.18 total pigs and 1.76 stillborn pigs per litter, whereas the estimate of I-C in F1 litters was 2.74 total pigs and 0.78 stillborn pig per litter. The contrast between I and C for number weaned and litter weaning weight in pure litters was 0.32 pig and -0.28 kg, respectively, compared with 0.25 pig and -2.14 kg in F1 litters. Crossbreeding is an effective way to use the enhanced reproductive efficiency of the Index line.     

Effects of intermittent suckling and creep feed intake on pig performance from birth to slaughter

An experiment was conducted to determine if the improved creep feed intake observed during intermittent suckling (IS) is important for postweaning performance. Therefore, creep feed intake of litters was assessed, and within litters, eaters and noneaters were distinguished using chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. Batches of sows were suckled intermittently (IS, 7 batches; n = 31) or continuously (control, 7 batches; n = 31). In the IS group, litters were separated from the sow for a period of 12 h/d (0930 to 2130), beginning 11 d before weaning. Litters were weaned at 4 wk of age. Litters had free access to creep feed from 1 wk of age onward. Five days after weaning, the piglets were moved as a litter to weanling pens. At 8 wk of age, 2 barrows and 2 gilts were randomly chosen from each litter and moved to a finishing facility. Feed intake was improved by IS during the last 11 d of lactation (IS, 284 +/- 27 vs. control, 83 +/- 28 g/piglet; P < 0.001) and after weaning during the first (IS, 201 +/- 24 vs. control, 157 +/- 25 g x piglet(-1) x d(-1); P < 0.05) and second (IS, 667 +/- 33 vs. control, 570 +/- 35 g x piglet(-1) x d(-1); P < 0.05) wk. Thereafter, no differences were found to slaughter. Weaning BW was lower in IS litters (IS, 7.1 +/- 0.01 vs. control, 8.1 +/- 0.01 kg/piglet; P < 0.05), but 7 d after weaning BW was similar (IS, 8.5 +/- 0.2 vs. control, 8.7 +/- 0.2 kg/piglet; P = 0.18), and no differences were found to slaughter. The percentage of eaters within a litter was not increased by IS during lactation (IS, 23 +/- 4.5% vs. control, 19 +/- 4.1%; P = 0.15). Weaning BW did not differ between eaters and noneaters (eater, 7.7 +/- 0.1 vs. noneater, 7.5 +/- 0.08 kg/piglet; P = 0.63). From 1 until 4 wk after weaning, piglets that were eaters during lactation had heavier BW than noneaters (eater, 20.3 +/- 0.3 kg vs. noneater, 18.2 +/- 0.2 kg; P < 0.05). The influence of eating creep feed during lactation on BW and ADG and the influence of suckling treatment never showed an interaction. We conclude that IS increases ADFI during lactation on a litter level and improves ADG in the first week and ADFI in the first and second weeks after weaning. No long-term effects on ADFI or ADG were observed throughout the finishing period. In the current experiment, in which creep feed intake was low, the percentage of eaters within a litter was not increased, suggesting that creep feed intake of piglets that were already eating was stimulated by IS. Further, piglets that were eaters during lactation had heavier BW up to 4 wk after weaning.     

日本大耳兔生后时期若干性状的初步研究

本研究对日本大耳兔初生、２１、３５、６０、９０、１２０、１５０、１８０日龄和成年等不同生长阶段生长发育和繁殖力、肥育性能进行跟踪观察和测定。结果表明，初生至９０日龄生长速度呈直线上升，之后则急剧下降。初生、２１、３５、６０、９０、１２０、１５０、１８０日龄和成年体重分别为６３．５、２３６．８、５１８、１１４７、２０６３．２、２８６８．７、３５０５．６、３９８７．７和４１５９．２ｇ；窝均产仔８．１５只，仔兔２１日龄窝重１９２９．５ｇ，３５日龄断奶成活率９６．９％；肥育期（３５～９０日龄）日增重３３．３ｇ，屠宰率４７．１％，料肉比３．９９；３月龄鲜皮重２４５．０ｇ，皮板面积８８９．３ｃｍ２。由此可见，日本大耳兔繁殖力和母兔哺育力较强，早期生长发育快，符合正常生长发育规律，由于屠宰率和饲料转化率不高，不宜作商品兔生产，但作为杂交母本生产商品兔可取得较好效果     

Effect of feather meal as a source of valine for lactating sows

An experiment was conducted to evaluate feather meal as a source of Val in lactating sow diets. Sows (five farrowing groups; mean parity = 2.34) were allotted to one of two dietary treatments on the basis of ancestry, parity, and weight and date of d 110 of gestation. The treatment diets included 1) corn-soybean meal lactation diet (n = 40) or 2) corn-soybean meal lactation diet with 2.5% feather meal (n = 39). The diets were formulated on an equal Lys basis. All litters were adjusted to 10 pigs within 24 h after farrowing, and all sows weaned at least nine pigs. Sows were bled at 110 d of gestation and at weaning, and serum urea N was determined. Backfat thickness was determined ultrasonically at 110 d of gestation and at weaning. Serum urea N and backfat thickness at d 110 of gestation were used as covariates for serum urea N and backfat thickness at weaning, respectively. The litter response criteria (weaning weight, litter weight gain, and percentage survival) were not affected (P > .10) by feather meal. The sow response criteria (weaning weight, weight loss per day, weaning backfat thickness, change in backfat thickness, ADFI, and days to estrus) were not affected (P > .10) by feather meal. Sows fed feather meal had increased (P < .01) serum urea N and tended (P = .15) to have decreased sow weaning weight. Following the initial analysis of the data, the data set was split into two groups: 1) sows with litters gaining less than 2.17 kg/d (n = 19 and 20 for control and feather meal diets, respectively) and 2) sows with litters gaining more than 2.17 kg/d (n = 21 and 19 for control and feather meal diets, respectively). These two groups were analyzed separately. In sows with litters gaining less than 2.17 kg/d, the litter and sow criteria were not affected (P > .10) by treatment. In sows with litters gaining more than 2.17 kg/d, sow weaning weight was decreased (P < .04) and sow weight loss (P < .02) and serum urea N (P < .01) were increased in sows fed feather meal. Feather meal (as a source of Val) did not improve litter weight gain, but it increased serum urea N.     

The importance of a high feed intake during lactation of primiparous sows nursing large litters

The objective of this study was to investigate whether nursing a large number of piglets has negative effects on lactation and postweaning performance of primiparous sows and whether a greater lactation feed intake can prevent possible negative effects. Data were recorded on 268 ad libitum-fed sows of three genotypes (G1, G2, and G3) in an experiment where litter size was standardized to 8, 11, or 14 piglets during a 4-wk lactation. Compared to G1 and G2, G3 sows were heavier (P < 0.05) and leaner (P < 0.05) at weaning of their litters, lost similar amounts of BW and backfat, and their piglets grew faster (P < 0.05). Compared to G1, feed intake during lactation was higher for G3 sows (P < 0.05), and their risk of a prolonged weaning-to-estrus interval was lower (P < 0.01). Daily feed intake by sows was not affected by litter size in G1 and G3, but it was quadratically affected in G2 (P < 0.05), with a maximum at 10.8 piglets. Backfat loss of the sows increased linearly with litter size (P < 0.05) in G1 and G3. In G2, backfat loss increased only at litter sizes > 9.8 piglets (P < 0.01). Body weight loss of the sow and litter weight gain increased linearly with litter size (P < 0.001). Per extra piglet nursed, sows had a 23% (P < 0.01) higher probability of a prolonged weaning-to-estrus interval. A higher daily feed intake during lactation reduced tissue loss of the sow, increased litter weight gain (P < 0.01), and reduced the probability of a prolonged weaning-to-estrus interval (by 42% per extra kilogram; P < 0.01). Sows with a lower daily body weight loss during first lactation had a larger second litter (1.28 piglets/kg; P < 0.01), and their probability of a prolonged weaning-to-estrus interval was reduced by 61% per kilogram (P < 0.001). With increasing litter size, it is therefore recommended to reduce body weight loss during lactation by stimulating daily feed intake and by genetic selection.     

品种对肉兔断奶后窝生长性状的影响

本研究旨在明确影响肉兔断奶后窝生长性状和料肉比的重要因素。利用一般线性模型分析了来自5个不同肉兔品种(新西兰白兔,加利福尼亚兔,比利时兔,青紫蓝兔和福建黄兔)的909只173窝肉兔断奶后窝生长和料肉比性状。结果表明,品种和断奶数对断奶窝重(5周龄窝重),窝增重,窝上市体重(10周龄窝重),个体平均上市体重,窝采食量和料肉比的影响极显著(P<0.01)。出生月份对窝采食量影响极显著(P<0.01),对断奶窝重和窝上市体重的影响显著(P<0.05)。比利时兔的断奶窝重、窝增重、窝上市体重、窝采食量和平均上市体重显著高于其他品种,而福建黄兔的上述5项指标显著低于其他品种(P<0.05)。断奶数与断奶窝重、窝采食量、窝增重、窝上市体重和料肉比的回归系数为正且显著。品种、断奶数和出生月份是影响肉兔断奶后窝性状和料肉比的重要因素。本研究的结果为将比利时兔作为杂交的终端父本提供重要依据。     

Prediction and causation of litter market traits from preweaning and weaning characteristics in commercial meat rabbits

Market data on 1,315 rabbits from 201 litters from Californian (CAL), New Zealand White (NZW), CAL X NZW and NZW X CAL dams bred to CAL, NZW and Flemish Giant sires were subjected to multiple regression and path analyses. Market traits observed in litters at 56 d included average kit weight (A56W), litter size (LS56), total litter weight (L56W) and within-litter uniformity in individual weights (LCV). Preweaning variables as covariates included in the model were dam metabolic body weight (DMW), litter born (LSB), litter birth weight (LBW), milk yield from 1 to 21 d (MY) and feed intake from 1 to 28 d of the dam and litter (FI). Results from multiple regression analyses indicated linear and quadratic effects (P less than .20) due to LSB and MY for all four market characters. The LBW influenced (P less than .05) LS56 and L56W, and FI affected (P less than .05) LS56, L56W and LCV. Separate analyses were conducted involving 28-d weaning and feed intake variables as covariates: litter size weaned (LSW), litter weaning weight (LWW) and litter feed intake from 28 to 56 d (LFI). The three weaning covariates were important (P less than .05) for all market traits except LS56 (LWW was not significant). The most accurate regression equations were obtained from the weaning model for prediction of L56W and LS56 (R2 = .68 and .78). Path analyses revealed that preweaning covariates generally had direct rather than indirect effects on market traits. Both direct and indirect effects of weaning covariates were important for market traits. Results suggest that litter market traits of size and weight can be predicted with a reasonable degree of accuracy.     

Effects of prenatal and postnatal fraternity size on long-term reproduction in mice

Effects of prenatal and postnatal fraternity size (size of litter in which an animal develops prior to birth or is reared following birth) on long-term reproduction were studied by rearing 178 female ICR mice in standardized prenatal and postnatal fraternities. Three levels of prenatal and postnatal fraternity sizes were used in a 3 x 3 factorial experiment. Prenatal fraternity size was standardized by selectively terminating fetal development in pregnant females carrying at least 14 conceptuses. Prenatal fraternities were standardized to either 6, 10 or 14 fetuses, and postnatal fraternities were standardized by randomly assigning individuals to nurse litters of 5, 10 or 15 pups. Prenatal fraternity size negatively affected average pup weight at birth (P less than .05) but had little subsequent effect on growth or reproduction. Postnatal fraternity size negatively affected weight at weaning (P less than .01), with mice reared in smaller postnatal fraternities being heavier than those reared in larger fraternities. Following weaning, mice reared in smaller fraternities gained weight less rapidly (P less than .01) but still tended to be heavier at maturity (P = .11). Vaginal opening occurred at older ages in females reared in larger postnatal litters (P less than .01). An interval mating system was used to examine fraternity size effects on long-term reproduction. Females were exposed to males six times at 8-wk intervals with initial mating at 7 wk of age. Postnatal fraternity size and age at mating jointly affected litter size (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Postweaning growth check in pigs is markedly reduced by intermittent suckling and extended lactation

The objective of this study was to determine whether intermittent suckling (IS) combined with an extended lactation can reduce postweaning growth check in pigs. Three weaning regimens [conventional weaning (CW), IS with 6-h separation intervals (IS6), and IS with 12-h separation intervals (IS12)] were compared. In CW (n = 17 litters), litters had continuous access to the sow until weaning (d 21, d 0 = farrowing). In IS6 and IS12, litters were separated from the sow for 12 h/d, beginning at d 14 and lasting until weaning (d 41 to 45). Litters were with the sow from 1400 to 2000 and from 0200 to 0800 (IS6, n = 14) or between 2000 and 0800 (IS12, n = 14). Litter size was standardized within 2 d after farrowing by crossfostering, resulting in an average litter size of 10.9 +/- 1.8 piglets. Piglets had ad libitum access to creep feed from d 7 onward. One week after the onset of IS (d 20), creep feed intake was increased in litters from both IS groups compared with CW litters (P < 0.05). Both IS groups consumed considerable amounts of creep feed before weaning (d 41 to 45). Total feed intake before weaning was greater (P = 0.004) in IS12 (3,808 +/- 469 g/piglet) than in IS6 (2,717 +/- 404 g/piglet). In comparison, CW litters consumed 18 +/- 9 g/piglet before weaning (d 21). Irrespective of weaning regimen, total feed intake of litters before weaning was highly correlated with post-weaning feed intake (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in all treatment groups, total preweaning feed intake was correlated with postweaning growth (P < 0.10). Irrespective of treatment, piglets suckling anterior teats grew faster than piglets suckling middle or posterior teats during the first 2 wk of lactation. Body weights at the end of the experiment (d 55) were similar among weaning regimens. Onset of IS induced a growth check in both IS groups (34% for IS12 and 22% for IS6). Only a mild growth check was observed after weaning of IS litters (14% for both IS groups). However, a serious growth check (98%) was observed after weaning of CW litters. Results of the current study indicate that IS stimulated feed intake during lactation, providing a more gradual transition to weaning. Because the IS6 regimen did not prevent the growth check after the onset of IS and is rather laborious, we suggest that IS12 might be preferable for a practical implementation of IS.     

Correlated responses in maternal performance following divergent selection for heat loss in mice

Divergent selection in mice was applied in 3 independent replicates for high (maintenance high; MH) and low (maintenance low; ML) heat loss for 16 generations. An unselected control (maintenance control; MC) was also maintained in all replicates. Selection ceased for 26 generations; heat-loss measurement and selection resumed at generation 42. Lactation performance, dam weight, dam feed intake, and efficiency of production of pup weight were recorded or calculated for MH and ML dams in all 3 replicates at generation 46 or 47 with the objective of determining whether selection for heat loss has created correlated responses in maternal performance. One-half of the dams reared their own litters, and one-half reared cross-fostered (across lines) litters. Between 10 and 12 litters were used from each replicate-line-rearing class. Litter size was recorded, and litters were standardized to 8 pups within 24 h of birth. For cross fostering, MH litters were matched to ML litters born within 24 h of each other, and MH-ML litter pairs were cross-fostered at 3 d of age. A weigh-suckle-weigh protocol was used to obtain milk production estimates over a 2-h suckling period at 6, 9, 12, and 15 d. Dam (plus litter) feed intake was also recorded at these times and was calculated as the disappearance of feed over 3-d intervals. Dams of the MH selection tended (P < 0.11) to have greater litter size than those of the ML selection; litter size of MC dams was intermediate. Line of dam affected milk production (P = 0.04) and dam feed intake (P < 0.03) as MH dams produced more milk and consumed more feed than ML dams. Average milk production for the 2-h measurement period was 1.70 +/- 0.07 and 1.41 +/- 0.07 g, and average 3-d feed consumption was 50.8 +/- 1.2 and 45.2 +/- 1.2 g for MH and ML dams, respectively. Cross-fostering had no effect (P > 0.86) on milk production. Line of dam tended to affect 21-d litter weight (P = 0.15) with litters reared by MH dams weighing more than those reared by ML dams, but there was no difference (P > 0.86) in 21-d dam weights. Efficiency of producing litter weight (litter 15-d weight: dam plus litter feed intake from d 6 to 15) was greater (0.49 vs. 0.46, SE = 0.009; P = 0.03) for ML than for MH dams. Selection for reduced heat loss (lower maintenance feed intake in the ML line) resulted in reduced milk production and feed intake in dams and greater efficiency of litter weight production.     

Energy intake and milk production in mink (Mustela vison)--effect of litter size.

Energy intake and milk production were measured in 12 mink dams raising litters of 3, 6 and 9 kits one to four weeks post partum by means of balance experiments and measurements of milk intake of the kits by the water isotope dilution technique. The dams were fed ad libitum on a conventional wet mink diet (DM: 323 g/kg; CP: 173 g/kg; ME: 4.4 MJ/kg). Milk samples collected from dams with corresponding litter sizes and lactation weeks, and body composition of kits nursed by these dams, were analysed for content of DM, ash, N and fat. The ME and drinking water consumption were higher in dams nursing 9 kits than in dams nursing 3 kits. The N and water balances as well as the live weight of dams were not affected by litter size. Daily milk production was higher in dams nursing 9 kits than in dams nursing 3 kits. The DM, N and fat content of the milk increased during lactation, but were not affected by litter size. Individual kit live weight was higher in litters of 3 than in litters of 6 and 9 kits four weeks post partum. The DM and fat content of the kits were lowest in kits from litters of 9 kits, whereas these kits had the highest protein content. Daily ME for maintenance of kits and the efficiency of utilisation of ME in milk for body gain were estimated to 356 kJ/kg0.75, kp approximately 0.53 and kf approximately 0.71, respectively. In conclusion, daily milk production increased with increasing litter size, but not in proportion to the number of kits, indicating that milk production limits the growth rate of the young. In the fourth week of lactation, milk production was not different between dams nursing 6 or 9 kits, indicating a maximum capacity.     

The effect of birth weight and feeding of supplemental milk replacer to piglets during lactation on preweaning and postweaning growth performance and carcass characteristics

The effects of piglet birth weight and liquid milk replacer supplementation of piglets during lactation on growth performance to slaughter weight was evaluated in a study carried out with 32 sows (PIC C-22) and their piglets (n = 384; progeny of PIC Line 337 sires). A randomized block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used. Treatments were birth weight (Heavy vs Light) and liquid milk replacer (Supplemented vs Unsupplemented). The study was divided into two periods. At the start of period 1 (birth to weaning), pigs were assigned to either Heavy or Light (1.8 [SD = 0.09] vs 1.3 kg [SD = 0.07] BW, respectively, P < 0.001) litters of 12 pigs and half of the litters were given ad libitum access to supplemental milk replacer from d 3 of lactation to weaning (21 +/- 0.2 d). In period 2 (weaning to 110 kg BW), a total of 308 pigs were randomly selected from within previous treatment and sex subclasses and placed in pens of four pigs. Pigs were given ad libitum access to diets that met or exceeded nutrient requirements. Pigs in heavy litters were heavier at weaning (6.6 vs 5.7 kg BW; SE = 0.14; P < 0.001) and tended to have more pigs weaned (11.4 vs 10.9 pigs/litter; SE = 0.21; P = 0.10). After weaning, pigs in the Heavy litter had greater ADG (851 vs 796 g; SE = 6.7; P < 0.001) and ADFI (1,866 vs 1,783 g; SE = 17.6; P < 0.001), similar gain:feed (0.46 vs 0.45; SE = 0.003; P > 0.05), and required seven fewer days (P < 0.001) to reach slaughter weight compared to pigs in the Light treatment. Feeding supplemental milk replacer during lactation produced heavier pigs at weaning (6.6 vs 5.7 kg BW; SE = 0.14; P < 0.001) and tended to increase the number of pigs weaned (11.4 vs 10.9 pigs/litter; SE = 0.21; P = 0.10) but had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance from weaning to slaughter. However, pigs fed milk replacer required three fewer days (P < 0.01) to reach 110 kg BW. Sow feed intake and BW loss during lactation were not affected (P > 0.05) by either birth weight or milk replacer treatment. In conclusion, birth weight has a substantially greater impact on pig growth performance after weaning than increasing nutrient intake during lactation.     

The addition of ground wheat straw as a fiber source in the gestation diet of sows and the effect on sow and litter performance for three successive parities

A regional experiment was conducted at 8 experiment stations, with a total of 320 sows initially, to evaluate the efficacy of adding 13.35% ground wheat straw to a corn-soybean meal gestation diet for 3 successive gestation-lactation (reproductive) cycles compared with sows fed a control diet without straw. A total of 708 litters were farrowed over 3 reproductive cycles. The basal gestation diet intake averaged 1.95 kg daily for both treatments, plus 0.30 kg of straw daily for sows fed the diet containing ground wheat straw (total intake of 2.25 kg/d). During lactation, all sows on both gestation treatments were fed ad libitum the standard lactation diet used at each station. Response criteria were sow farrowing and rebreeding percentages, culling factors and culling rate, weaning-to-estrus interval, sow BW and backfat measurements at several time points, and litter size and total litter weight at birth and weaning. Averaged over 3 reproductive cycles, sows fed the diet containing wheat straw farrowed and weaned 0.51 more pigs per litter (P 相似文献   

The National Pork Producers Council Maternal Line National Genetic Evaluation Program: a comparison of six maternal genetic lines for female productivity measures over four parities

Litter (n = 8,424) and female performance records were collected in two breed-to-wean production units in order to evaluate genetic line differences for sow longevity and maternal performance over four parities. Lines evaluated were American Diamond Genetics, Danbred North America, Dekalb-Monsanto DK44, Dekalb-Monsanto GPK347, Newsham Hybrids, and National Swine Registry. Females within a line were derived from a minimum of 65 sires, 197 dams (three dams per sire), and a maximum of three daughters per dam, except in the GPK347, which were produced using semen from 12 Nebraska Index boars mated with Dekalb-Monsanto Line 34 females. All lines expressed 100% maternal heterosis. Mixed model statistical procedures were used with fixed effects including genetic line, parity, production unit, and two-way interactions. Random effects included a contemporary week of production and female for repeated records. Lactation length (average 15 d) was included as a linear covariate where appropriate. In total, 3,599 females entered as early-weaned pigs, 3,283 entered the breeding herd, 2,592 farrowed at least a single litter, and 1,656 and completed four parities. Line (P < 0.001) and parity (P < 0.001) effects were observed for virtually all traits measured. Ranges of genetic line differences averaged across parities were 1.76 pigs for total born, 1.45 pigs born alive, and 0.31 stillborn pigs per litter. Ranges of line differences in total and live litter weight were 1.4 and 1.3 kg, respectively. Ranges among lines, within Parities 1 through 4, for litter size at weaning were 0.56, 1.08, 0.91, and 0.64 pigs per litter, respectively. Line differences for weight (33.8 kg) and backfat depth (6.4 mm) at farrowing, lactation feed intake (8.7 kg), weight loss (5.0 kg), and backfat loss (0.87 mm) were observed. Extended wean-to-estrus interval was related to variation in weight, feed intake, and backfat loss in all lines except the GPK347. The GPK347 females farrowed and weaned the largest number of pigs, ate less feed in lactation, and lost more backfat and weight during lactation, yet they had the largest litters and the shortest wean-to-estrus intervals. Line x parity interactions existed for many traits due to small rank changes, but in general, the high- and low-ranked lines did not change. Genetic line differences in reproductive efficiency through four parities exist and must be recognized when choosing a female line.