MASS SELECTION FOR POSTWEANING GROWTH IN SWINE. III. CORRELATED RESPONSE IN WEANING WEIGHT AND FEED EFFICIENCY TO RECURRENT SELECTION FOR POSTWEANING AVERAGE DAILY GAIN IN SWINE

1973 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-178
Author(s):  
G. W. RAHNEFELD

Correlated response in weaning weight and feed efficiency were estimated for a genetically variable population of swine selected during nine generations for postweaning average daily gain. Total response in weaning weight to direct selection for gain was 0.03 kg per generation. This was 3.1% of the predicted response. The estimate of genetic correlation between postweaning average daily gain and weaning weight was found high and positive (> 1). Total response in feed efficiency to direct selection for gain was −0.58 kg per generation. This was 10% of the predicted response. The estimate of genetic correlation between postweaning gain and feed efficiency was −0.35.

1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 791-801
Author(s):  
I. GARNETT ◽  
G. W. RAHNEFELD

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.


1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. RAHNEFELD ◽  
R. L. CLIPLEF ◽  
I. GARNETT ◽  
R. M. McKAY

Means, heritabilities, genetic and phenotypic correlations, and correlated responses in carcass traits (total carcass backfat, carcass length, area 1. dorsi, ham weight, percentage ham of side, percentage lean in ham face, color score, texture score, and marbling score) during 11 generations of selection for postweaning average daily gain were studied on a selected Lacombe line, a Yorkshire control line, and a crossbred Lacombe × Yorkshire group generated each year from the two lines. With the exception of color score, the heritability estimates were moderate to high. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between average daily gain and the carcass traits ranged from − 0.16 to 0.46 and from − 0.07 to 0.15, respectively. Correlated responses in the carcass traits were very small. Key words: Swine, carcass traits, selection, heritabilities, correlations


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Krause ◽  
E. R. Moore ◽  
J. Duggin ◽  
J. R. Segers ◽  
T. D. Pringle

ObjectivesProfitability in the beef industry has narrow margins regulated by revenue from output traits like growth and carcass merit, but profitability is also largely impacted by input expenses like feed costs. Selecting for improvements in feed efficiency during the finishing phase, one of the most feed intensive segments of the industry, can help to mitigate those input costs. This study compared growth performance, feed efficiency, body composition, and carcass characteristics in Angus steers (n = 321) from bulls divergently selected for feed efficiency and marbling.Materials and MethodsAngus sires were selected based on high (10th percentile or better) and low (85th percentile or worse) residual average daily gain (RADG) EPD as well as high (fifth percentile or better) and average (near 50th percentile) marbling (MARB) EPD. These criteria resulted in a 2 × 2 factorial design with four breeding lines: high RADG/high MARB, high RADG/average MARB, low RADG/high MARB, low RADG/average MARB. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with RADG and MARB as main effects. Significance was set at α = 0.05. Generation was also analyzed, where generation one (GEN1) steers were from a selected sire while generation two (GEN2) steers were from a selected sire and a selected dam.ResultsUltrasound and carcass data revealed no differences (P ≥ 0.12) in 12th rib backfat thickness from weaning through slaughter for the RADG EPD groups. Yield grade and dressing percent did not differ (P ≥ 0.56) across RADG or MARB groups. At the beginning and end of the feeding trial, the high RADG (P ≤ 0.02) group had larger ultrasound ribeye area (REA) than the low RADG group. Carcass REA tended (P = 0.08) to be larger in the high versus low RADG steers. During the feedlot trial and through slaughter, body weight was heavier (P ≤ 0.006) for the high versus low RADG steers but did not differ (P ≥ 0.44) across MARB EPD. Feed efficiency measures did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB groups apart from the tendency (P = 0.08) for residual feed intake to be lower in the high versus low RADG steers. Marbling scores differed (P ≤ 0.04) across RADG and MARB groups with the low RADG steers and the high MARB steers having improved marbling. The quality grade distribution across MARB EPD revealed that the average MARB steers graded 73% Choice and 25% Prime while the high MARB steers graded 56% and 42%, respectively. Slice shear force did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB EPD. Body weights tended (P = 0.06) to be heavier at the start of the feeding trial for GEN1 versus GEN2 steers. Total gain, average daily gain, and feed to gain (F:G) differed by generation (P ≤ 0.007) with increased rates of gain and reduced F:G in the GEN2 versus GEN1 steers. Body weights did not differ (P = 0.72) across GEN at the end of the feeding trial. Backfat thickness at the start and end of the feedlot phase was less (P ≤ 0.03) and marbling score was improved (P = 0.02) in the GEN2 versus GEN1 steers, respectively.ConclusionThese results suggest that selection using RADG EPD has negligible impacts on meat quality; and that progress in selection for efficiency can be achieved while advancing carcass quality and value. Furthermore, continued divergent selection for feed efficiency and marbling has the potential to improve feed efficiency through advancements in the rate of gain, while enhancing carcass merit through marbling.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 340-341
Author(s):  
Taylor Krause ◽  
Edward Moore ◽  
Jason Duggin ◽  
Jacob Segers ◽  
T Dean Pringle

Abstract This study compared growth performance, feed efficiency, body composition, and carcass characteristics in Angus steers (n = 321) from bulls divergently selected for feed efficiency and marbling. Angus sires were selected based on high (10th percentile or better) and low (85th percentile or worse) residual ADG (RADG) EPD as well as high (5th percentile or better) and average (near 50th percentile) marbling (MARB) EPD. These criteria resulted in a 2x2 factorial design with four breeding lines: high RADG/high MARB, high RADG/average MARB, low RADG/high MARB, low RADG/average MARB. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with RADG and MARB as main effects. Ultrasound and carcass data revealed no differences (P ≥ 0.12) in 12th rib backfat thickness from weaning through slaughter for the RADG EPD groups. At the beginning and the end of the feeding trial, the high RADG (P ≤ 0.02) group had larger ultrasound ribeye area than the low RADG group. During the feedlot trial and through slaughter, BW was heavier (P ≤ 0.006) for the high versus low RADG steers but did not differ (P ≥ 0.44) across MARB EPD. Feed efficiency measures did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB groups apart from the tendency (P = 0.08) for residual feed intake to be lower in the high versus low RADG steers. Marbling scores differed (P ≤ 0.04) across RADG and MARB groups with the low RADG steers and the high MARB steers having improved marbling. The quality grade distribution across MARB EPD revealed that the average MARB steers graded 73% Choice and 25% Prime while the high MARB steers graded 56% and 42%, respectively. Slice shear force did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB EPD. These results suggest that selection using RADG EPD has negligible impacts on meat quality; moreover, they show that progress in selection for efficiency can be accomplished while advancing carcass quality and value.


1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 799-806
Author(s):  
R. M. McKAY ◽  
G. W. RAHNEFELD

Additive genetic variance estimates for purebred (Lacombe) and crossbred (Lacombe × Yorkshire) populations and the additive genetic covariance between purebred and crossbred progeny were calculated for postweaning average daily gain, total probe fat, total carcass fat, and litter size in swine. These estimates were used to predict the effectiveness of four methods of intrapopulation selection (IP) relative to selection for specific combining ability (SCA) to determine the most effective means of improving crossbred performance. The intrapopulation methods were mass selection based on information from both sexes (BS), mass selection based on information from one sex (OS), full-sib selection (FS), and half-sib selection (HS). The Lacombe population was selected over 12 generations for increased postweaning average daily gain and the Lacombe × Yorkshire population was generated by breeding Lacombe boars with randomly selected gilts from a Yorkshire control population. Selection for combining ability was the most effective means of improving average daily gain except when information was available on both sexes and the relative selection intensity (SCA/IP) was less than 0.60. Mass selection was superior to SCA for improving total probe fat except when information was restricted to one sex and the relative selection intensity was less than 0.47. For total probe fat and total carcass fat, SCA was superior to FS and HS for relative selection intensities less than 0.65 and 0.74, respectively. Selection for combining ability was superior to OS for litter size regardless of the generation interval length. Key words: Intrapopulation selection, selection for combining ability, additive genetic variance, additive genetic covariance, swine


1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 783-790
Author(s):  
G. W. RAHNEFELD ◽  
I. GARNETT

Recurrent mass selection for post-weaning average daily gain was practiced for 11 generations in a population of Lacombe swine. Response to selection was assessed from predicted response, 0.241 ± 0.023 kg; observed response, 0.146 ± 0.018 kg; estimated heritability, 0.327 ± 0.031; and realized heritability, 0.198 ± 0.016. Observed response was estimated to be 0.61 of the predicted. Examination of additive genetic variance, selection differentials, drift variance, inbreeding and regression of post-weaning average daily gain on generation time indicated that the pedigreed Yorkshire control population served as an adequate control. Gene effects were not found to be dependent on the sex of the organism as assessed by the genetic correlation between sexes, covariance between half-sib family means and the relative magnitude of parent–offspring-based estimates of heritability.


2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-446
Author(s):  
K. A. Shahin ◽  
O. Y. Abdallah ◽  
T. A. Fooda ◽  
K. A. Mourad

Abstract. Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters for body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age, and for preweaning and postweaning average daily gain were computed and used to construct 14 selection indexes to improve the 12-month weight in Egyptian buffaloes. The full index incorporating body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age had the highest correlation with aggregate breeding value (rTI=0.63). The correlation fell to 0.62 when body weight at birth and 3 months were omitted from the index. Selection for body weight at 12 months of age alone is expected to be 76.2 % as efficient as selection for the full index. The maximum expected genetic gain in 12-month body weight was 8.85 kg/generation when all five body weights were included in the index; this decreased to 8.09 kg/generation when body weights at birth, 3 and 6 months were excluded and further decreased to 6.94 kg/ generation when selection based on yearling weight only. From the practical standpoint, selection on I5 involving body weight at 9 month of age can be considered as the best for improving body weight at 12 month since its application is earlier, less expensive, higher accuracy than any index excluding body weight at 12 month and giving reasonable amount (+5.39 kg) improvement in yearling weight as compared to direct selection (+6.94 kg).


Author(s):  
Mohammed Naser Boareki ◽  
Luiz Brito ◽  
Angela Cánovas ◽  
V.R. Osborne ◽  
Flavio S Schenkel

The goal of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and predict direct and correlated response to selection for lamb growth traits and ewe reproductive traits, based on single trait selection or combining multiple traits in an optimum index that targets total litter post-weaning weight in the first lambing as the main selection goal. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.04 to 0.19. Genetic correlations between growth and reproductive traits ranged from -0.24 to 0.15. The indirect response to selection for reproductive traits in later lambings, by selecting on first lambing performance, was 11 to 25% greater than direct selection. The response to indirect selection for composite reproductive traits, i.e. total weaning weight or total post-weaning weight, by selecting on individual lamb weaning weight or post-weaning weight was 1 to 69% greater than direct selection, but it was accompanied by a negative response on litter size. However, combining alternate growth and reproductive traits in optimum selection index resulted in correlated response of up to 96% greater than direct selection response for reproductive traits without a negative response on litter size. Therefore, multiple trait selection using an index of component traits was more effective than direct selection for a composite trait.


1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. W. KENNEDY

Feed efficiency in dairy cattle is moderately heritable and selection for its improvement theoretically would be effective. Despite this, direct selection for feed efficiency is not practiced in dairy cattle. Growth of milk recording programs which monitor feeding information has made selection for feed efficiency, or at least efficiency of concentrate conversion, possible on a large scale. However, it has been estimated that correlated response to direct selection for increased milk yield probably results in 70–95% of the potential improvement in feed efficiency that could be achieved through direct selection for feed efficiency. Current selection practices for increased body size may be detrimental to feed efficiency. In swine also, little direct selection for improved feed efficiency is practiced. Experimental studies for selection for feed efficiency have been less successful than expected. Correlated response from selection for an index that combines growth rate and backfat seems to be as effective in improving feed efficiency as direct selection. Development of automated feeding devices which allow measurement of individual feed intake under group penning will facilitate monitoring of and selection for improved feed efficiency. Key words: Selection, feed efficiency, swine, dairy cattle


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