Relationship between litter size at birth and within‐litter birth weight characteristics in laboratory mice as pilot animal for pig

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinichiro Ogawa ◽  
Masahiro Satoh
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Size At Birth

FAILURE OF A 16 h L:8 h D or AN 8 h L:16 h D PHOTOPERIOD TO INFLUENCE LACTATION OR REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN SOWS

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. G. GREENBERG ◽  
J. P. MAHONE
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Light Treatment ◽  
Short Photoperiod ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Long Photoperiod ◽  
Size At Birth

Forty-one sows were divided into two groups where animals were either exposed to a long photoperiod (16 h L:8 h D) or a short photoperiod (8 h L:16 h D) 1 mo before parturition. One month prior to the following parturition, sows were switched to the opposite light treatment and maintained on this treatment until the following estrus. Birth weight and litter size at birth of piglets conceived under natural lighting (15.4 h L) did not significantly differ from piglets conceived under a 16 h L or 8 h L photoperiod. Litter size at weaning and weight of piglets did not significantly differ for receiving a 16 h L or an 8 h L regime followed by the opposite treatment. The length of time to return to heat from weaning to next estrus was unaffected by photoperiod. The results from this experiment indicate that photoperiods of 16 h L:8 h D or 8 h L:16 h D have no influence on reproductive efficiency or lactation in sows. Key words: Light, photoperiod, production, swine, sows

Animal-related factors associated with piglet mortality in a bedded, group-farrowing system

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Z. Li ◽  
J. E. Anderson ◽  
L. J. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Individual Weight ◽  
Piglet Mortality ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Cross Fostering ◽  
Size At Birth

Li, Y. Z., Anderson, J. E. and Johnston, L. J. 2012. Animal-related factors associated with piglet mortality in a bedded, group-farrowing system. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 11–20. To understand pre-weaning mortality of piglets in a bedded, group-farrowing system, associations with sow parity, mortality of piglets during the first 24 h after birth, farrowing behavior, cross-fostering, birth weight and gender of piglets were investigated. Sows (n=169, parity 1 to 10) from eight contemporary groups were evaluated. Litter size at birth, dead piglets from birth to weaning, and individual weight of piglets at birth and weaning (27±2.6 d) were recorded. Behavior of 46 focal sows during farrowing was video-recorded. Piglet mortality within litter increased (P<0.001) with increasing parity. Piglets that died before weaning were lighter (P<0.001) at birth than weaned piglets. Mortality of pigs during the first 24 h postpartum was correlated positively with pre-weaning mortality within litter (R2=0.34; P<0.001). Farrowing behaviors were not associated with piglet mortality, and were not different among sows of different parities, or between sows with and without 24 h piglet mortality. Gender of piglets and cross-fostering did not affect piglet mortality. Results indicate that parity, 24 h mortality, and birth weight of piglets were the major animal-related factors associated with piglet mortality in the loose farrowing system studied.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary l-carnitine supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, muscle maturation and lifetime growth in progeny from large litters

2020 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-56
Author(s):  
Hazel B. Rooney ◽  
K. O’Driscoll ◽  
P. Silacci ◽  
G. Bee ◽  
J. V. O’Doherty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Muscle Development ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Carnitine Supplementation ◽  
Semitendinosus Muscle ◽  
Myosin Heavy Chain Genes ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Size At Birth

AbstractGenetic selection for increased sow prolificacy has resulted in decreased mean piglet birth weight. This study aimed to investigate the effect of l-carnitine (CAR) supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, semitendinosus muscle (STM) maturity and lifetime growth in progeny. Sixty-four sows were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments at breeding until weaning: CONTROL (0 mg CAR/d), GEST (125 mg CAR/d during gestation), LACT (250 mg CAR/d during lactation) and BOTH (125 mg CAR/d during gestation and 250 mg CAR/d during lactation). The total number of piglets born per litter was greater for sows supplemented with CAR during gestation (17·3 v. 15·8 (sem 0·52); P < 0·05). Piglet birth weight (total and live) was unaffected by sow treatment (P > 0·05). Total myofibre number (P = 0·08) and the expression level of selected myosin heavy chain genes in the STM (P < 0·05) were greater in piglets of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation. Pigs from sows supplemented with CAR during gestation had lighter carcasses at slaughter than pigs from non-supplemented sows during gestation (83·8 v. 86·7 (sem 0·86) kg; P < 0·05). In conclusion, CAR supplementation during gestation increased litter size at birth without compromising piglet birth weight. Results also showed that the STM of piglets born to sows supplemented with CAR during gestation was more developed at birth. However, carcass weight at slaughter was reduced in progeny of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation. The CAR supplementation strategy applied during gestation in this study could be utilised by commercial pork producers to increase sow litter size and improve offspring muscle development.

Estimates of genetic parameters and heterosis for birth weight, one-month weight and litter size at birth in five goat breeds

2019 ◽  
Vol 174 ◽  
pp. 19-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. Meza-Herrera ◽  
A. Menendez-Buxadera ◽  
J.M. Serradilla ◽  
N. Lopez-Villalobos ◽  
F. Baena-Manzano
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Weight One ◽  
Size At Birth

scholarly journals Genetic Analysis Of Rabbit Litter Traits At Birth And Weaning

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 64-69
Author(s):  
I. K Odubote ◽  
B. Somade
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Litter Traits ◽  
Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Size At Birth

Data on 260 litters were used to provide therefore to estimate the heritability and estimates of heritability, repeatability, genetic and phenotypic correlations for litter traits at birth and at weaning. Breed, sire within breed and doe within sire effects were found to be significant, (P<0.05) for litter size at birth and at weaning and for litter weight at birth and at weaning. Heritability estimates of 0.33±0.08, 0.38±0.02, 0.03±0.02 and 0.16±0.05 were obtained for litter birth weight, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weaning weight, respectively. Repeatability estimates were found to be generally moderate to high. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were positive and significant (P<0.01). Selection for litter size at birth and litter birth weight are likely to result in improved litter size at weaning and litter weaning weight respectively.

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 Comparison Of The Indigenous And Exotic Pure And Crossbred Sows In Southern Nigeria: Relationship Between Dam And Litter Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
O. A. Adebambo
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Size Variation ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Large White ◽  
Seasonal Factors ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Size At Birth

The study embraced the evaluation of reproductive efficiency of pure and crossbred exotic and indigenous sows of Nigeria. Characters studied were litter size at birth and weaning, survival at weaning, average pig weight, litter weights at 3,5 and 8 weeks of age and weight loss of the dams during lactation. Highly significant breed and seasonal effects were recorded in almost all traits studied on litter and piglet performance and the efficiency of milk utilization. No seasonal effect was reported for litter size, milk ingested per piglet and weight lost by the sow. Seasonal factors accounted for 0.43% of variation in litter size but 60.9% of litter weight. Breed differences accounted for 25.7% of birth weight and 59.8% of milk utilization efficiency and the sow age contributed 5.3% of pig birth weight and 36.0% of litter size variation. Pooled estimate indicated average pig birth weight of 1.14kg in the indigenous pigs and 1.54kg for the reciprocal Large White x Landrace piglets; average weaning weights ranged from 4.39 to 9.91kg and preweaning gain from 3.38 to 8.25kg respectively. Litter size at birth also varied from 5.2 in the landrace to 8.4 in the Duroc Large White cross with 4.6 and 7kg weights of pigs weaned respectively.

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&lt;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&lt;0.001); birth weight and perinatal mortality did not differ between groups (P&gt;0.05). Lambs born from NZ ewes were 4.67 (95% CI: 1.89 to 11.55; P&lt;0.001) and 6.54 (95% CI: 2.56 to 16.71; P&lt;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&lt;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 Impact of size at birth and postnatal growth on metabolic and neurocognitive outcomes in prematurely born school-age children

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoo Jinie Kim ◽  
Seung Han Shin ◽  
Eun Sun Lee ◽  
Young Hwa Jung ◽  
Young Ah Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Growth Velocity ◽  
Postnatal Growth ◽  
School Age ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Neurocognitive Outcomes ◽  
Size At Birth

AbstractPrematurity, size at birth, and postnatal growth are important factors that determine cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes later in life. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the associations between the size at birth and growth velocity after birth with cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Fifty-six preterm infants born at < 32 weeks of gestation or having a birth weight of < 1500 g were enrolled and categorized into small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) groups. Anthropometric and cardiometabolic parameters were assessed at school-age, and the Korean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition (K-WISC-IV) was used for assessing the intellectual abilities. The growth velocity was calculated by changes in the weight z-score at each time period. Multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the associations of growth velocity at different periods with cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Forty-two (75%) were classified as AGA and 25% as SGA. At school-age, despite the SGA children showing significantly lower body weight, lean mass index, and body mass index, there were no differences in the cardiometabolic parameters between SGA and AGA groups. After adjusting for gestational age, birth weight z-score, weight z-score change from birth to discharge and sex, change in weight z-score beyond 12 months were associated with a higher systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. Full-scale intelligent quotient (β = 0.314, p = 0.036) and perceptional reasoning index (β = 0.456, p = 0.003) of K-WISC-IV were positively correlated with postnatal weight gain in the neonatal intensive care unit. Although cardiometabolic outcomes were comparable in preterm SGA and AGA infants, the growth velocity at different time periods resulted in different cardiometabolic and neurocognitive outcomes. Thus, ensuring an optimal growth velocity at early neonatal period could promote good neurocognitive outcomes, while adequate growth after 1 year could prevent adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in preterm infants.

A note on purebred performance of Belgian Piétrain pigs

1977 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Howard ◽  
W. C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feeding Regime ◽  
Weight Range ◽  
Breed Difference ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Size At Birth

SUMMARYIn an analysis of data from 211 litters in a Pietrain herd, litter size at birth and at weaning was lower than is generally found in indigenous breeds. Mortality in growing and breeding pigs was high with circulatory failure accounting for 23% and 95% of deaths respectively. Pietrains, fed ad libitum over the live-weight range 27 to 87 kg, grew more slowly by 130 g/day than contemporary Large Whites on the same feeding regime, had higher killing-out percentages (by 3 to 4 units) and larger eye muscles in cross-section (by 9·9 cm2) but tended to have higher feed conversion ratios. There was no breed difference in backfat measurements but Pietrain carcasses were shorter by 83 mm and their muscle quality was markedly inferior to that of the Large Whites.

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