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.

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.

scholarly journals REPRODUCTIVE AND BODY WEIGHT PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBITS IN THE HUMID TROPICS OF NIGERIA.

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 61-65
Author(s):  
I. K. ODUBOTE ◽  
J. O. AKINOKUN
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits ◽  
White Breed ◽  
Size At Birth

Fifty two litters obtained over a period of 8 months (December 1986-July 1987) from the mating of eight bucks with twenty nine does (first mating) and twenty three does (second mating) all belonging to the New Zealand White breed of rabbits were used in this analysis. Mean gestation length, number of mating to conception, litter size at birth and parturition interval were 31.6 ± 0.2 days, 1.4 ± 0.1, 5.6 ± 0.3 pups and 79.0 ± 14.5 days respectively. Litter weight at birth, 3,6 and 8 weeks of age were 230.4 ± 9.5g, 602.1 ± 35.6g, 1247.5 ± 81.5g and 1673.0 ± 112.3g respectively. Parity significantly (P <0.05) affected the number of mating to conception and litter birth weight. Litter weight at all ages were influenced (P<.01) by corresponding litter sizes at such ages. Sire neither had any effect on litter weight at all ages nor on any of the reproductive parameters studied. Litter size at birth was negatively correlation with gestation length (-0.08), number of matings to conception (-0.27) and average birth weight (-0.42). 

scholarly journals Gestation Length and Litter Size of New Zealand White Grade Rabbit

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-291
Author(s):  
A. Setiaji ◽  
D. A. Lestari ◽  
S. Sutopo ◽  
Y. S. Ondho ◽  
E. Kurnianto
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
General Linear Model ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Statistical Analysis System ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study was to examine performances and factors that influence the gestation length (GL) and litter size (LS) of New Zealand White Grade (NZW Grade) rabbits. Reproduction records of NZW Grade rabbits were taken from April 2020 to March 2021. Data analysis was carried out using the general linear model (GLM) procedure from Statistical Analysis System (SAS) University Edition V.6p.2. software. Farm showed a significant effect (P<0.001) on LS and significant season (P<0.05) on GL and LS. GL in the rainy season (31.56) was shorter than the GL in the summer (32.26), but the LS in the rainy season (7.06) was greater than the LS in the rainy season (6.37). Maintenance management should be improved to reduce the impact of the season on GL and LS NZW Grade rabbits.

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).

Breeding Australian crossbred ewes with Arabian fat-tailed rams for intensive lamb production

1996 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
RC Malik ◽  
MA Razzaque ◽  
S Abbas ◽  
T Al-Mutawa ◽  
N Al-Khozam
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Season Of Birth ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
Daily Gain

The reproductive performance under intensive management of Border Leicester x Merino (BLM), Dorset x Merino (DM), and Suffolk x Merino (SM) ewes imported from Australia, and local fat-tailed Naeemi (N) ewes mated to N rams was studied. Progeny performance for birth and weaning weights, average daily gain (ADG) and preweaning survival was also evaluated. BLM ewes showed the highest reproductive performance. They produced and weaned (at 8 weeks) significantly more lambs (P<0.05) than any of the other ewe genotypes. The reproductive performance of the BLM, N, DM and SM ewes, mated twice, 8 months apart, was 127, 85, 91 and 85 respectively for percentage of lambs born to ewes joined, 109, 72, 77 and 70 respectively for percentage of lambs weaned to ewes joined, and 17.8, 13.5, 12.1 and 11.6 kg respectively of lamb weaned per ewe joined over the period of 13 months from the first joining until last lambs weaned. The effect of season on ewe reproduction was significant. Birth weight was not influenced by genotype or season but did change significantly with litter size. Genetic group, litter size, season of birth and birth weight were significant sources of variation in the ADG and weaning weight of the lamb. N x BLM lambs were weaned at significantly heavier weights than lambs of the remaining 3 groups. Season of birth and birth weight also significantly affected preweaning lamb survival. About 86% of the lambs born alive were weaned with little difference between genetic groups in survival rates.

INTERRELATIONS BETWEEN SOME REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN SWINE

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. FAHMY ◽  
C. S. BERNARD
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
The Other ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Percentage Survival ◽  
Weaning Pig ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Size At Birth

The associations between 15 preweaning traits in pigs were studied to determine which had the most important effects on litter weights at birth and weaning. The traits were litter size at birth and weaning, number born alive, percentage survival to birth and weaning, pig and litter weights at birth and weaning, daily gain from birth to weaning, gestation length, number of teats, weights of dam at farrowing and at weaning, and the change in dam weight during lactation. Of the 105 correlations, 66 were statistically significant, though many were markedly low. Litter weights at birth and weaning were significantly and relatively highly correlated with most of the other traits, whereas number of teats was correlated only with survival rates at birth and weaning and pig birth weight. The results showed that the importance of litter size was almost twice that of pig weight in determining litter weights at birth and weaning. The results in general indicated that most of the economically important traits related to swine reproductivity are favorably associated.

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

MASS SELECTION FOR POST-WEANING GROWTH IN SWINE. V. CORRELATED RESPONSE OF REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS AND PRE-WEANING GROWTH

1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 791-801
Author(s):  
I. GARNETT ◽  
G. W. RAHNEFELD
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Mass Selection ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Control Line ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Daily Gain

Female reproductive performance and pre-weaning survival and growth were examined in a population of swine over 11 generations of selection for post-weaning average daily gain (ADG). Three separate breeding groups were used: (1) a Lacombe (L) line selected each generation for ADG, (2) a Yorkshire control (Y) line, and (3) a crossbred Lacombe × Yorkshire group (LY) generated each generation from the L and Y lines. Breeding group differences were evident for litter size, perinatal mortality, pre-weaning mortality, gestation length, birth weight, pre-weaning average daily gain (PreADG) and weaning weight. Selection did not affect number born, number born alive, number weaned or birth weight. When the values for the L line were expressed as a deviation from the control, pre-weaning mortality showed an increase. The increase appeared to be due to a decrease in the control rather than an increase in the L line. Gestation length showed a negative response to selection. As in the case of pre-weaning mortality, the response appeared to be a reflection of the instability of the control line. Genetic gains in PreADG of 0.004 kg/day/generation were realized in both the L line and LY group. Correspondingly, responses of 0.18 and 0.19 kg/generation were realized for weaning weight in the L line and LY group.

scholarly journals Testing hypotheses of marsupial brain size variation using phylogenetic multiple imputations and a Bayesian comparative framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1947) ◽  
Author(s):  
Orlin S. Todorov ◽  
Simone P. Blomberg ◽  
Anjali Goswami ◽  
Karen Sears ◽  
Patrik Drhlík ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Size Variation ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
High Coverage ◽  
Ecological Predictors ◽  
Size Evolution ◽  
Relative Brain Size

Considerable controversy exists about which hypotheses and variables best explain mammalian brain size variation. We use a new, high-coverage dataset of marsupial brain and body sizes, and the first phylogenetically imputed full datasets of 16 predictor variables, to model the prevalent hypotheses explaining brain size evolution using phylogenetically corrected Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects modelling. Despite this comprehensive analysis, litter size emerges as the only significant predictor. Marsupials differ from the more frequently studied placentals in displaying a much lower diversity of reproductive traits, which are known to interact extensively with many behavioural and ecological predictors of brain size. Our results therefore suggest that studies of relative brain size evolution in placental mammals may require targeted co-analysis or adjustment of reproductive parameters like litter size, weaning age or gestation length. This supports suggestions that significant associations between behavioural or ecological variables with relative brain size may be due to a confounding influence of the extensive reproductive diversity of placental mammals.

scholarly journals Simulated mining-related sedimentation impacts on the deep-sea macrofauna of the Chatham Rise, New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Campbell Murray
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Deep Sea ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Warning Sign ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

<p>With the possibility of deep-sea mining of marine mineral resources occurring in the near future, it is necessary to understand the potential impacts that mining may have on benthic communities. Previous simulated mining experiments have observed direct impacts of deep-sea mining (e.g., faunal mortality); however, indirect impacts of sedimentation were not understood. In New Zealand, there has been interest in mining the seabed of the Chatham Rise, but mining consents have been refused, partly due to the uncertainties of sedimentation impacts on benthic communities. A disturbance experiment conducted in 2019 on the Rise used a modified agricultural plough designed to create a sediment cloud that could result from mining. This disturbance was used to assess the resilience of benthic communities to sedimentation in a proposed future mining area. Macrofaunal and sediment samples were collected with a multicorer before, immediately after and one year after disturbance to assess the impact on the community and its ability to recover. Samplingevents took place in disturbed (physically run over by the plough and subjected to sedimentation) and undisturbed areas (subjected to sedimentation only) at each sampling period. Macrofaunal abundance significantly decreased in disturbed areas after disturbancebut not in undisturbed areas. However, community structure changed in both areas after disturbance; in disturbed areas this was mostly driven by changes in numerically dominant fauna, but in undisturbed areas by the more sensitive fauna which may provide an early warning sign for further changes under increased sedimentation. One year after disturbance, community structure had recovered in both areas. Abundance-based community structure correlated most strongly with C:N molar ratios in the sediment which increased after disturbance. Ecosystem function was measured by sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) which increased similarly in both disturbed and undisturbed areas after disturbance; SCOC may be a more sensitive measure than community structure in assessing sedimentation impacts. No correlations were found between SCOC and macrofaunal abundance, biomass, diversity or bacterial abundance. The results of this research are useful for managing the impacts of industries where sedimentation is an issue, such as for bottom trawl fisheries and deep-sea mining. The results highlight the importance of leaving unmined patches of seabed adjacent to or within mined areas, to aid the recovery of macrofaunal communities subjected to mining disturbance.</p>

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