Comparison of one-quarter Chinese Meishan and three-breed conventional cross females for sow productivity, and growth and carcass characteristics of the progeny

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. F. Wolter ◽  
D. N. Hamilton ◽  
M. Ellis

The reproductive performance over five parities of two one-quarter Meishan female genotypes were compared with a three-breed cross female genotype based on conventional breeds of pigs. Hampshire-sired progeny from these females were evaluated for growth performance and carcass measures. The female genotypes evaluated were Landrace × (Meishan × Yorkshire) (LMeY) (n = 45), Duroc × (Meishan × Yorkshire) (DMeY) (n = 41), and Landrace × (Duroc × Yorkshire) (LDY) (n = 50), respectively. LMeY had a greater number of pigs born alive (11.1, 10.6, and 10.2, SE = 0.24 for LMeY, DMeY, and LDY, respectively, P < 0.05) and a higher total litter birth weight (20.02, 18.16, and 17.29, SE = 0.383 kg for LMeY, DMeY, and LDY, respectively, P < 0.001) than the other lines. Gestation length was reduced for the two Meishan-cross genotypes (114.5, 114.3, and 114.9, SE = 0.18, for LMeY, DMeY and LDY, respectively; P < 0.001). A shorter farrowing interval was observed for the LMeY (147.1, 148.6 and 151.4, SE = 1.32 for LMeY, DMeY and LDY, respectively, P < 0.05). Number of pigs weaned per litter was highest for LMeY line (10.7, 10.0, and 9.4, SE = 0.22 for LMeY, DMeY and LDY, respectively; P < 0.05). No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between the Hampshire-sired progeny of the three dam genotypes for growth performance, backfat thickness and loin eye depth at 114 kg. These results indicate that the development of a female line with one-quarter Meishan may result in improved reproductive efficiency compared to female lines based on western breeds. Key words: Pigs, crossbred, Meishan, reproductive performance, growth performance

Author(s):  
P. E. V. Williams ◽  
P. J. Broadbent ◽  
A. Macdearmid ◽  
G. S. Mollison

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer techniques increase the possibility of improving the reproductive efficiency of beef cows by twinning. However, the gestation length of cows carrying twin calves is approximately 10 days shorter than cows carrying a single foetus and twin calves at birth are lighter (0.85 of controls) and growth rate to weaning is less (0.85 of controls) compared with single born calves (Dickerson and Anderson 1988). Changes in gestation length and the low birth weight of the twin calf may partly be associated with changes in the nutritional status of the dam and the increased nutrient requirement. It is important to define the nutritional requirements of twin bearing cows if twin calves are to be successfully produced and reared.The cows were a mixture of Hereford and Charolais cross Friesian suckler cows and heifers. Animals used for the measurement of heat production were paired where possible according to parity and live weight, one member of each pair carrying a single calf and the other twins.


Author(s):  
Mesut Yıldırır ◽  
Orhan Karadağ ◽  
Mustafa Yilmaz ◽  
Mehmet Akif Yüksel ◽  
Tamer Sezenler ◽  
...  

The aims of this study were to evaluate the traits of reproductive, milking and growth performance of Saanen and Saanen × Hair crossbreds (F1, B1 and B2) raised at the Bandırma Sheep Research Institute. The data were collected from 868 goats for reproductive performance and milk yield and from 1077 kids for survival performance between 2009-2012. Milk components (fat, protein, lactose and non-fat dry matter) of goats (n=162) and body weight changes of kid’s (n=64) were evaluated for one year in 2012. Estrus rates and survival rates were similar among all genotypes. Kidding rate was significantly higher in F1 goats than Saanen goats. Saanen goat had the lowest average mean daily milk yield compared with other genotypes. The effect of year and age were significant on milk yield. Goats in F1 and B1 genotypes had higher milk protein percentage and non-fat dry matter content in comparison with Saanen and B2 genotype. Milk fat and lactose contents were similar among genotypes. Birth weight and monthly live weight were similar between genotypes while weaning weight, six month live weight and yearling live weight were higher in B1 kids in comparison with Saanen kids. The effect of dam age and birth type were significant on birth weight, monthly live weight and weaning weight. The findings related to performance characteristics in goat genotypes investigated show that B1 genotype could be recommend for semi-intensive production system in the Western Anatolia.


2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 510-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.P. Souza ◽  
H.C.C. Fries ◽  
G. Heim ◽  
J.E. Faccin ◽  
L.F. Hernig ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to evaluate the behaviour, pre-weaning survival rate and growth performance of low birth weight (BW) piglets cross-fostered with piglets of higher weights. Piglets were transferred to 60 foster sows, and divided in three groups (G; n=20): G1- 12 low BW piglets (0.80 - 1.25kg); G2- six low BW piglets and six intermediate BW piglets (1.40 - 1.60kg), and G3- six low BW piglets and six high BW piglets (>1.70kg). For the analysis, groups G2 and G3 were subdivided in LG2 (six G2 light piglets); IG2 (six G2 intermediate piglets), LG3 (six G3 light piglets), and HG3 (six G3 heavy piglets). Behavioural observations were carried out on days 1, 2, 4 and 6 (visual direct observation) and on days 3 and 5 (video recording) after birth. The percentage of missed nursings was higher in LG3 piglets than in LG1, IG2 and HG3 piglets, on days 1 and 2. On day 4, light piglets (LG1, LG2 and LG3) missed more nursings than IG2 and HG3 piglets. On day 3, video recording showed a higher percentage of missed nursings in LG1, LG2, and LG3 piglets as compared to HG3 piglets. On day 1, the number of fights during nursing was higher in IG2 than in LG1 and LG3 piglets. Also on day 1, number of fights and percentage of piglets engaged in fights, during 15min after nursing, were higher in LG1, LG3 and HG3 than in LG2 piglets. More playful behaviours were observed on day 2 in IG2 and HG3 piglets compared to LG1, LG2 and LG3 piglets. Light piglets (LG1, LG2, and LG3) presented similar body weight on days 4, 8, 12 and 16 after birth, regardless of being mixed with piglets of higher weights or not; however, the survival rate until day 16 was most compromised in LG3 piglets compared to the other groups. Despite the lack of influence of littermates' weight on the growth of low BW piglets, their survival rate indicates that they should not be mixed with high BW piglets.


1971 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Fahmy ◽  
G. Lalande ◽  
M. Hidiroglou

SUMMARYData were obtained from 27 pure Shorthorn, 22 Angus × Shorthorn, 31 Charolais × Shorthorn and 27 Hereford × Shorthorn cows, during 10 years. Angus × Shorthorn cows required the least number of services per conception (1·17), had the shortest average gestation lengths (280·6 days), and had a calving percentage of 88·2% and birth weight of calf of 29·8 kg. The respective figures for Charolais × Shorthorn were 1·21 services, 281·6 days, 88·3% (the highest) and 32·9 kg (the heaviest), for Hereford × Shorthorn 1·23 services, 283·6 days, 84·4% and 31·6 kg, and for pure Shorthorn 1·20 services, 282·2 days, 82·7% and 29·6 kg. Average calf weight at birth increased with the advance in age of cow up to 5 years, then showed little change. Seventy-two per cent of the crossbred cows calved for the first time at 2 years old compared with 65% of the Shorthorns. On the other hand, Shorthorn cows had the highest twinning percentage (2·9%) and the lowest single calf mortality at birth (1·4%). The maximum body weights of Angus, Charolais, and Hereford crossbreds and Shorthorn cows were 576·8, 655·8, 6254 and 553·8 kg respectively at 7–8 years of age.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ismail Damarany

Abstract The current investigation was designed to determine the effect of treatment with anti-parasites (Ivermectin) on mastitis and postpartum reproductive efficiency measurements in Egyptian Baladi cows. Twenty-four of the cows included in this study were split into two groups. The first group (n = 12 cows) was injected two months prepartum with two doses (15 days inter-treatment) of IVOMEC® Plus solution subcutaneously behind the shoulder, 1ml/50kg live body weight as prescribed by the manufacturer, whilst the other group (n = 12 cows) was used as a control group. The present results revealed that the incident rate of mastitis in treated cows’ group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower (16.7%) than control cows’ group (41.7%). The conception rate in treated cows’ group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (66.7%) compared with (33.3%) in control group. The time from calving to conception in treated cows was significantly (P < 0.05) lower 86.5 ± 11.4 days compared to 123.3 ± 13.2 days in the control group. The occurrence rate of anestrous cases was significantly (P < 0.05) lower (8.3%) in treated cows than (control group) (25%). In conclusion, the current study indicates there is an association between treated cows with anti-parasites (Ivermectin) two months prepartum and incidence rate of mastitis addition an improvement in the reproductive performance in treated cows relative to untreated cows. Therefore, the current study recommends the herdsmen treats their cows with anti-parasites (Ivermectin) during the prepartum period for less mastitis incidence rate and better reproductive efficiency.


1962 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
JF Barrett ◽  
TF Reardon ◽  
LJ Lambourne

Two groups of Merino ewes were observed for five years to determine the variation within years and to make comparisons between years in the numbers of ewes exhibiting oestrus, in fertility, and in lamb birth weights. A group of 35 ewes (continuous), was run constantly with vasectomized rams and services were recorded. From the other (changing) group, a fresh sub-group of 15 ewes was joined with fertile rams every four to six weeks; services were recorded, together with lambing performance and lamb birth weights.Distinct breeding and anoestrous seasons similar to those shown by other workers were observed in both groups of ewes. However, the onset of oestrous activity was a month earlier in the changing ewes than in the continuous ewes.Fertility was low during spring and early summer and reached a maximum in autumn.The birth weight of the lambs appeared to be predominantly influenced by the ewes' nutrition during pregnancy.


2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. H. Nguyen ◽  
C. P. McPhee ◽  
C. M. Wade

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine genetic changes in reproduction traits in sows (total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), average piglet birth weight (ABW) and number of piglets weaned (NW), body weight prior to mating (MW), gestation length (GL) and daily food intake during lactation (DFI)) in lines of Large White pigs divergently selected over 4 years for high and low post-weaning growth rate on a restricted ration. Heritabilities and repeatabilities of the reproduction traits were also determined. The analyses were carried out on 913 litter records using average information-restricted maximum likelihood method applied to single trait animal models. Estimates of heritability for most traits were small, except for ABW (0·33) and MW (0·35). Estimates of repeatability were slightly higher than those of heritability for TNB, NBA and NW, but they were almost identical for ABW, MW, GL and DFI. After 4 years of selection, the high growth line sows had significantly heavier body weight prior to mating and produced significantly more piglets born alive with heavier average birth weight than the low line sows. There were, however, no statistical differences between the selected lines in TNB or NW. The lower food intake of high relative to low line sows during lactation was not significant, indicating that daily food intake differences found between grower pigs in the high and low lines (2·71 v. 2·76 kg/day, s.e.d. 0·024) on ad libitum feeding were not fully expressed in lactating sows. It is concluded that selection for growth rate on the restricted ration resulted in beneficial effects on important measures of reproductive performance of thea sows.


1995 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 561-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Gaughan ◽  
R. D. A. Cameron ◽  
G. McL. Dryden ◽  
M. J. Josey

AbstractReproductive records from 1072 Large White sows (3589 litters) were used to examine the effect ofbackfat depth (Bd) and live weight (Lw) at selection on first litter and lifetime reproductive performance. The variables investigated included mating age, total piglets born, total born alive, piglet birth weight, number weaned, piglet weaning weight, weaning to remating period and number of litters produced. Using backfat depth, sows were categorized into three groups: L, 9 to 13 mm; M, 14 to 16 mm; and F, ≥17 mm. Bd had no significant effect (P > 0·05) on the measured traits for the sows grouped by fat at first parity. When lifetime reproductive data were analysed, the L group had fewer litters (P < 0·05), and weaned fewer pigs (P < 0·01) than either the M or F group. The birth weight for piglets from L sows were significantly higher (P < 0·05) than for piglets from the other groups. The data suggest that the reproductive performance of L sows is not as good as that of M or F sows.


2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. 59-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z K Zeng ◽  
P E Urriola ◽  
J R Dunkelberger ◽  
J M Eggert ◽  
R Vogelzang ◽  
...  

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