Path analysis of body weight in grower and finisher pigs

Author(s):  
N. S. Machebe ◽  
A. G. Ezekwe ◽  
G. C. Okeke ◽  
S. Banik

The aim of this study was to set up direct and indirect casual effects between body weight and biometric measurements of breeding gilts at growing and finishing stages of production using path analysis. Body weights of 50 crossbred (Landrace x Large White) female pigs were measured along with four biometric traits (body length, heart girth, flank-to-flank, height-at-withers) on each animal during growing and finishing stages of production. A computed mean of 1150 measurements per biometric trait taken during the entire study was subjected to path coefficient analysis using the correlation matrix approach. High positive and significant correlations (>84.3%) were observed between different biometric measurements. However, path analysis of these traits on body weight of pigs revealed that heart girth is the major contributor to the body weight of the pig with a higher amount of direct effect of 0.6539 (R2 = 95.25). The direct effects of body length and flank-to-flank measurements on body weight of the pigs were less. These traits mostly affect body weight indirectly via heart girth. Finding of the present investigation demonstrated that heart girth was the most important contributor to body weight of grower and finisher pigs and thus was recommended for quick estimation of body weight of breeding gilts under field or market conditions than other biometric traits. In addition, it could also be used for the construction of selection index for breeding gilts at both phases of growth.

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yakubu ◽  
G.L. Mohammed

Relationship between body weight (BW) and seven morphobiometrical traits [withers height (WH), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), shoulder width (SW), ear length (EL), cannon circumference (CC) and neck circumference (NC)] were studied in 142 Red Sokoto goats aged 19.3-30.6 months old using path analysis. The animals were randomly selected in certain smallholders? farms located in northern Nigeria. Pair-wise correlations among body weights and linear type traits were positive and highly significant (r = 0.74 - 0.92; P< 0.01). The path analysis revealed that body length had the highest direct effect on body weight, closely followed by chest girth and shoulder width, respectively (path coefficient = 0.354, 0.253 and 0.214 for BL, CG and SW, respectively). The optimum linear regression model with a coefficient of determination ( R2) value of 0.934 included forecast indices, such as body length, chest girth, shoulder width, cannon circumference and neck circumference. This regression equation could be used to predict the body weight of Red Sokoto goats in the field and for selection purposes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Yakubu ◽  
MM Muhammed ◽  
MM Ari ◽  
IS Musa-Azara ◽  
JN Omeje

The study aimed at describing objectively the interdependence between body weight (BWT) and morphometric traits in Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks using multivariate path analysis technique. Measurements were taken on one hundred and ninety seven (197) randomly selected 10-week old Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks, respectively in Plateau State, Nigeria. The birds were reared on deep litter in a semi-intensive system where they were kept in a fenced area provided with water ponds and locked up in the poultry house during the night. The body parts measured were, body length (BDL); thigh length (THL); thigh circumference (THC); breast circumference (BTC); bill length (BLL); neck length (NKL); neck circumference (NKC); shank length (SHL); shank width (SHW); total leg length (TLL) and wing length (WL). General linear model was used to study genotype and sex effects. Pekin ducks had a superior advantage (p<0.05) over their Khaki Campbell counterparts in all the body parameters estimated. Sexual dimorphism (p<0.05) was in favour of male ducks.  Pairwise phenotypic correlations between BWT and morphometric traits were positive and significant (p<0.01), ranging from 0.38-0.95 and 0.35-0.92 for Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks, respectively. Path analysis revealed that BDL was the variable of utmost importance directly influencing BWT in male Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks (path coefficient=0.535 and 0.508, respectively; p<0.01) while BTC and SHL were the most responsible parameters affecting BWT in female Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks [path coefficient=0.594 (P<0.01) and 1.197 (p<0.05), respectively]. The optimum regression models for the prediction of BWT in Khaki Campbell ducks included BDL, SHL, BTC and NKC (male)  and BDL, WNL and BTC (female); while in their Pekin counterparts, BDL, BLL and BTC (male) and BDL and SHL (female) were incorporated.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v44i1.23112            Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 44 (1): 1-9


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
P.O. Akporhuarho ◽  
O. Iriakpe

The study aimed at explaining objectively the relationship between morphologic traits of two breeds of pigs (Large-white and Duroc) using principal component analysis to determine the body size of grower pigs of two different breeds with a view of identifying components that best define body conformation. Body weight and five biometric variables namely head length, body length, body girth, ham length and ear length. The descriptive statistics showed that the mean body weight of Large-white was 13.14kg while the body measurements were 24.61cm, 71.35cm, 65.12cm, 43.13cm and 21.94cm for head length, body length, body girth, ham length and ear length respectively at 5 – 24 weeks of age. The mean body weight of Duroc was 12.87kg while the body measurements were 23.70cm, 57.93cm, 47.93cm, 22.90cm, 19.26cm for head length, body length, body girth, ham length and ear length respectively. The coefficient of correlation ranges from 0.08-0.424 and 0.01-0.402 for Large-white and Duroc respectively. The association between and were the highest for Duroc, body length r=0.402 and Large-white, body girth 0.424. Two components were identified for Large-white while those of Duroc were three components. The ratios of variance were 53.55 and 71.07% for Large-white and Duroc, respectively. The first factor in each case accounted for the biggest percentage of the total variation, and was designated the general size, the other factors (indices of body shape) offer forms of variation independent of the general size. The principal component based regression models which were chosen for selecting animals for optimal balance accounted for 58 and 76% of the variation in the body weight for Large-white and Duroc respectively. The study concluded that the use of principal component analysis techniques tends to explore the interdependence in the original five parameters measured: head length, body length, body girth, ham length and ear length of Large-white and Duroc     L'étude explique objectivement la relation entre les traits morphologiques de deux races de porcs (gros blanc et de Duroc) à l'aide d'une analyse de composants principaux afin de déterminer la taille du corps des porcs de producteurs de deux races différentes en vue d'identifier les composants qui définissent le mieux la conformation corporelle. Poids corporel et cinq variables biométriques, nommément longueur de la tête, longueur du corps, circonférence du corps, longueur du jambon et longueur de l'oreille. Les statistiques descriptives ont montré que le poids corporel moyen de gros blanc était de 13,14 kg tandis que les mesures du corps étaient de 24,61 cm, 71,35 cm, 65,12 cm, 43,13 cm et 21,94 cm pour la longueur de la tête, la longueur du corps, la circonférence du corps, la longueur du jambon et la longueur de l'oreille respectivement à 5 - 24 semaines. Le poids corporel moyen de Duroc était de 12,87 kg tandis que les mesures du corps étaient de 23,70 cm, 57,93 cm, 47,93 cm, 22,90 cm, 19,26 cm pour la longueur de la tête, la longueur du corps, la circonférence du corps, la longueur du jambon et la longueur de l'oreille respectivement. Le coefficient de corrélation varie de 0,08 à 0,424 et de 0,01 à 0,402 pour les gros blancs et Duroc respectivement. L'association entre et étaient les plus élevées pour Duroc, la longueur du corps R = 0,402 et de gros blancs, la circonférence du corps 0,424. Deux composants ont été identifiés pour les gros blancs tandis que ceux de Duroc étaient trois composants. Les ratios de variance étaient respectivement de 53,55 et 71,07% pour les gros blancs et Duroc. Le premier facteur de chaque cas représentait le plus gros pourcentage de la variation totale et a été désigné la taille générale, les autres facteurs (indices de la forme du corps) offrent des formes de variation indépendantes de la taille générale. Les principaux modèles de régression basés sur les composants choisis pour sélectionner des animaux pour un solde optimal représentaient 58 et 76% de la variation du poids corporel pour les grands blancs et Duroc respectivement. L'étude a conclu que l'utilisation de techniques d'analyse des composants principaux a tendance à explorer l'interdépendance dans les cinq paramètres d'origines mesurées: longueur de la tête, longueur du corps, circonférence corporelle, longueur du jambon et longueur de l'oreille de grosse blanc et de Duroc


Author(s):  
Rifu Xu ◽  
Thobela Louis Tyasi ◽  
Ning Qin ◽  
Yang Jing ◽  
Fang Mu ◽  
...  

The objectives of this study were to establish the direct and indirect effects of the relationship between body weight and body measurements on both sexes of the indigenous Chinese Dagu chicken and to develop a functional model for predicting body weight using different body measurements. The path analysis in female chickens revealed that shank length has the highest direct effect (path coefficient=0.233) on body weight and pelvis width showed higher indirect effect on body weight via shank length. In male chickens, the path analysis showed that body slope length has the highest direct effect (path coefficient=0.120) on the body weight of indigenous Chinese Dagu chickens, while fossil bone length has the highest indirect effect on body weight via body slope length. The equations could serve as a useful practical tool for livestock farmers, researchers and rural development workers for body weight estimation in the field and for selection purposes.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2679
Author(s):  
Lihuai Yu ◽  
Hongmin Li ◽  
Zhong Peng ◽  
Yuzhu Ge ◽  
Jun Liu ◽  
...  

This study examined the impact of early weaning on antioxidant function in piglets. A total of 40 Duroc × Landrace × Large White, 21-day-old piglets (half male and half female) were divided into suckling groups (SG) and weaning groups (WG). Piglets in WG were weaned at the 21st day, while the piglets in SG continued to get breastfed. Eight piglets from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered at 24th-day (SG3, WG3) and 28th-day old (SG7, WG7). The body weight, liver index, hepatocyte morphology, antioxidant enzymes activity, gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, and Nrf2 signaling in the liver of piglets were measured. The results showed that weaning caused decreased body weight (p < 0.01), lower liver weight (p < 0.01), and decreased the liver organ index (p < 0.05) of piglets. The area and size of hepatocytes in the WG group was smaller than that in the SG group (p < 0.05). We also observed that weaning reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05) in the liver of piglets. Relative to the SG3 group, the gene expression of GSH-Px in liver of WG3 was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The gene expression of Nrf2 in the SG3 group was higher than that in the WG3 group (p < 0.01). The gene expression of NQO1 in the SG7 group was higher than that in the WG7 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, weaning resulted in lower weight, slowed liver development, and reduced antioxidant enzymes activity, thereby impairing liver antioxidant function and suppressing piglet growth.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
H. Henrik ◽  
D. Purwantini ◽  
I. Ismoyowati

This experiment was conducted to study the morphometric and genetic diversity of Tegal, Magelang, and their crossbred ducks. Each ten female about twenty weeks old ducks from Tegal, Magelang, Gallang, and Maggal ducks, respectively, were used as the group materialss. The body weight, chest circumference, body length, shank length, neck length, and pubis width were recorded and tested by analysis of variance of one way classification as the morphometric characteristics. Polymorphism of cytochrome b (cyt b) gene on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Genetic distance was analyzed based on value of heterozygosity, whereas the phylogeny tree was reconstructed using MEGA6 software. The results showed there were highly significant difference (P<0.01) on body weight, chest circumference, body length, and neck length between population, while shank and pubis width were not significant different. The genetic distance between Gallang and Maggal ducks (0.206) was higher than Tegal and Magelang ducks (0.169). It is concluded that the reciprocal crosses increased the morphometric and genetic diversity of Indonesian local duck population.


Author(s):  
M. Ibnelbachyr ◽  
I. Boujenane ◽  
A. Chikhi

SummaryThe Moroccan goat livestock is characterized by the existence of different phenotypes distributed among diverse geographic locations. The objective of this study was to analyse the morphometric traits that differentiate the Draa breed from the other local populations raised in areas close to its cradle zone. Eight morphometric measurements were taken on 287 goats in South-eastern and Southern Morocco. The variance analysis, fitting a model that included the random effect of animal and the fixed effects of population, gender and age of animal, was used. Mahalanobis distances were calculated between identified populations and an Unweighted Pairs Group Method Analysis tree was built. Draa goats had the highest height at withers (61.5 cm), heart girth (74.4 cm), body length (64.6 cm) and live body weight (27.2 kg). These morphometric traits varied significantly among populations as well as the age and the gender of animal. The most discriminating traits between the identified populations were the body length, the heart girth, the hair length, the horn length, the ear length and the live body weight. Draa animals had the largest genetic distances from the other populations and appeared more distinguished from them. This differentiation can contribute in defining the phenotypic standard of the breed and in orienting its genetic improvement programs in the future.


Author(s):  
M. Rani ◽  
B. Ekambaram ◽  
B. Punya Kumari

Data on 1350 Nellore sheep of 2, 4, 6 and 8-teeth age, reared under field conditions in 12 mandals of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh were utilized for development of prediction equations and study the phenotypic association among body measurements and body weights. The coefficients of correlation between body weight with the height at withers, chest girth, paunch girth, hip width and body length were positive and high in magnitude in both males and females in majority of the age groups studied. Step-down regression equations were fitted to predict the body weight based on biometrical measurements at different ages. The height at withers, chest girth, paunch girth, hip width and body length have contributed significantly to the expression of body weights at the majority of the ages studied. High coefficient of determination (R2) value was observed in males at 6 and 8-teeth age as 88 per cent, while in females 50 per cent at 2-teeth age.


2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-319
Author(s):  
Shamia Farhana Shoma ◽  
Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz ◽  
Md Kamrul Hasan

A study was conducted on morphometry of Asian House Shrew, Suncus murinus at Jahangirnagar University campus, Savar, Dhaka from December, 2010 to November, 2011. A total of 85 shrews (55 males and 30 females) were studied for morphometric analysis. The body length of shrews varied from 13cm to 18 cm (mean 15.36, sd±1.17). Males were significantly differed from females in size which made them sexually dimorphic (t = 10.02, df = 83, p< 0.005). The body length of males ranged from 14.5 cm to 18 cm (mean = 16, sd±0.82) and in females it ranged from 13 cm to 15.5 cm (mean = 14.19, sd±0.74). The body weight of shrews varied from 45 gm to 138 gm (mean = 85.52, sd±25.6). The weight of males ranged from 65 gm to 138 gm (mean = 99.6, sd±20.03) whereas the body weight of females ranged from 45 gm to 82 gm (mean = 59.73, sd±10.54). Body length was positively correlated to the body weight (r = 0.917) as well as tail length (r = 0.673) and limbs length (forelimb length, r = 0.875 and hindlimb length, r = 0.971) and found to be significant at 1% level of significance.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(2): 313-319, 2015


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