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

THE ACCUMULATIVE EFFECT OF FINNSHEEP BREEDING IN CROSSBREEDING SCHEMES: REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMED H. FAHMY ◽  
JACQUES J. DUFOUR
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Size At Birth

Reproductive performance and body weight were studied on 361 ewes, representing Finnsheep (F), DLS (a population of 1/2 Dorset, 1/4 Leicester, 1/4 Suffolk) and seven combinations ranging from 1/8 to 7/8 Finnsheep breeding. Conception rate in yearlings was 61.5% for DLS compared to 89.0% for F with the crosses being intermediate. Conception rate in older ewes was similar in the different genetic groups (avg. 94%). Ovulation rate and litter size at birth of DLS ewes were 1.72 and 1.44 lambs, which was less than half those of F ewes (3.51 and 2.86 lambs, respectively). Both traits increased progressively with an increase in F breeding in crosses and with advances in age. DLS ewes weaned 1.22 lambs compared to 2.03 lambs for F ewes and 1.84 lambs for 4/8 F ewes. The heaviest litters at weaning (31.7 kg) were raised by 4/8 F ewes, followed by 7/8 F (30.8 kg) while those raised by DLS ewes weighed 23.0 kg and F ewes 29.1 kg. Percentage of ova lost per ewe mated averaged 24% and ranged between 18% (DLS and 1/8 F) and 29% (6/8 F). About 3.6% of lambs were born dead and a further 13.8% died before weaning. Preweaning mortality rate was highest in F (22.9%) and lowest in 3/8 F (9.4%). Average kilograms of lambs weaned per ewe exposed was highest in 4/8 F (27.6 kg) followed by F (26.0 kg), whereas that of DLS was the lowest at 18.1 kg. The 4/8 F cross showed 25% heterosis in kg of lambs weaned per ewe exposed and 52.5% increase over DLS. Significant positive linear regressions were calculated for ovulation rate, litter size and preweaning mortality rate on proportion of Finnsheep breeding in crosses. The relation was quadratic for percent ova lost and lamb mortality at weaning. Yearling DLS females weighted 36 kg compared to 44 kg for F yearlings. However, at 5 yr of age DLS ewes weighed 62 kg, 5 kg heavier than F ewes. The heaviest ewes at all ages were the 4/8 F (45 kg at 1 yr, 65 kg at 5 yr). Key words: Reproduction, DLS sheep, Finnsheep, crossbreeding, heterosis, repeatabilities

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.

EFFECT OF LOCATION OF THE TEAT SUCKLED, BREED AND PARITY ON PIGLET GROWTH

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 929-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. DYCK ◽  
E. E. SWIERSTRA ◽  
R. M. MCKAY ◽  
K. MOUNT
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Breed Difference ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Piglet Growth ◽  
The Difference

The effect of location of the teat suckled on piglet growth was evaluated on 919 piglets in 111 litters from 20 Yorkshire (Y) and 17 Yorkshire × Lacombe (YL) sows over the 2nd to 4th parities. Analysis of covariance was used to adjust the data for the effect of birth weight and number of piglets born alive. Piglet weight at 35 d of age was correlated with birth weight (r = 0.606) and the number of piglets born alive (r = −0.256). A breed difference was observed only for piglet weight gain (adjusted for litter size) with Y piglets being lighter (P < 0.01) than YL piglets at both 21 (Y, 3.77 kg vs. YL, 4.10 kg) and 35 (Y, 6.84 kg vs. YL, 7.95 kg) days of age. Piglets suckling the three anterior teats were heavier (P < 0.01) at 21 and 35 d of age than piglets suckling the three to four posterior teats. The effect of teat location on piglet weight was apparent both as a main effect and through its interaction with sow breed and with parity. At 21 d of age the weight, adjusted for birth weight and number born alive, of Y and YL piglets suckling the anterior teats was similar (Y, 5.43 kg; YL, 5.55 kg) and greater (P < 0.05) than the weight of piglets suckling the posterior teats. For piglets suckling the posterior teats, the Y piglets were heavier (P < 0.05) than YL piglets (Y, 5.18 kg vs. YL, 4.78 kg). At 35 d of age, the Y piglets suckling the anterior teats were lighter (P < 0.05) than YL piglets (Y, 8.78 kg vs. YL, 9.35 kg), and heavier (P < 0.05) than piglets suckling the posterior teats. The weight of Y and YL piglets suckling the posterior teats was similar (Y, 8.33 kg; YL, 8.24 kg). For weight gain (adjusted for number born alive) the differences at 21 and 35 d of age were YLa (anterior teats)>Ya>YLp (posterior teats) = Yp, and YLa>Ya = YLp>Yp, respectively. The parity × teat location effect was an increase in the difference in average piglet weight between piglets suckling the anterior and posterior teats from 2nd to 4th parity (21 d, 0.33–0.65 kg, P = 0.137; 35 d, 0.39–1.17 kg, P = 0.085). For weight gain, these differences were significant (21 d, 0.31–0.75 kg, P = 0.017; 35 d, 0.43–1.26 kg, P = 0.007). These results indicate that the effect of location of the teat suckled on piglet weight is specific to the breed of dam and influenced by parity with piglets suckling the more anterior teats being heavier. Key words: Piglet weight, teat location, breed, parity

scholarly journals Effect of re-mating intervals on growth and reproductive performance of rabbits

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-147
Author(s):  
BK Saha ◽  
MB Sarker ◽  
MH Alam ◽  
ME Kabir ◽  
MR Amin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Size At Birth

The aim of this study was to know the effects of postpartum re-mating intervals on reproductive performances of does and growth of kits. Fifteen female New Zealand White crossbred rabbits were divided into three groups of equal numbers. They were re-mated within 24 hours, at 10 days and 28 days postpartum. Animals were individually caged in cells measuring 2'×2'×2'. Does were kept under natural lighting. Plastic nest boxes were supplied to does 3-4 days before parturition. They were reared up to four generation. Litter weight at birth was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 10 days postpartum than within 24 hours and at 28 days postpartum intervals. Higher growth rate was observed in 10 days postpartum group comparing to other re-mating groups. Milk yield of the dams were significantly (p<0.05) higher when dam re-mated at 10 days postpartum than those re-mated within 24 hours after parturition. Conception rate, gestation length of does, litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at weaning, doe weight at mating, kidding, weaning and kid mortality did not differ significantly among the groups. Rabbit does re-mated at 10 days postpartum show maximum litter weight at birth, growth rate of kits and milk yield of dam.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i2.18497 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (2): 143-147

Reproductive performance and growth in captive collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)

1975 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 777-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. Hasler ◽  
E. M. Banks
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
The Third ◽  
Laboratory Colony ◽  
Dicrostonyx Groenlandicus ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Postpartum Estrus ◽  
Long Photoperiod

Various aspects of reproduction and growth were studied in a laboratory colony of collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus). Males and females were maintained successfully as breeding pairs, and as many as 17 successive litters were produced by one pair. Litter size increased with parity through the third litter and decreased after the eighth. Gestation, which was 19.5 to 21.5 days in non-lactating females, was extended to a maximum of 23 days in lactating females. Postpartum estrus continued throughout the duration of lactation in some females. Males made up less than 38% of the total number of lemmings produced in the colony, regardless of litter size or age at sexing. There was a significant amount of heterogeneity in the sex ratios produced by different pairs of lemmings. Rabbit chow increased reproductive performance compared with a fresh produce diet. Reproductive performance was increased by long photoperiod compared with short photoperiod. Birth weight was independent of litter size but weaning weight was negatively correlated with size of the litter.

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). 

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