Genetic parameters of feed intake patterns of Duroc sows during gestation and lactation

Authors:

Helal M., Ragab M., Sánchez J.P.

Publication date:

11 February 2018

Full title:

Genetic parameters of feed intake patterns of Duroc sows during gestation and lactation

Publishing information:

WCGALP, 11-16 February 2018, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract:

This study aimed at elucidating the genetic parameters of feed intake traits of 663 Duroc sows during 2 gestation and lactation periods and their relationship with number of piglets born alive (NBA) using tri-variate analyses. FI was calculated for lactation period (FIlac), early gestation (FI1-40), and late gestation (FI41-105) which thereafter was separated to FI41-80 and FI81-105. High variability was noticed for FI1-40 and FI81-105, very low variability was observed for FI41-80. Heritability estimates were generally low and ranged from 0.025 to 0.069 for daily FI during gestation. For daily lactation FI it was 0.117 and 0.211 for NBA. Positive genetic correlations were obtained between FI during middle-late gestation and FIlac. Positive genetic correlations were obtained between early-middle gestation FI (0.99-0.64) traits and NBA. Nearly null genetic correlation between NBA and FIlac was obtained (0.09).

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