Effects of parity, season of birth, and sex on within-litter variation and pre-weaning performance of F1 large white × landrace pigs.
Buthelezi, Nqobile Lungile ; Mtileni, Bohani ; Nephawe, Khathutshelo Agree ; Modiba, Mamokoma Catherine ; Mpedi, Hezekiel ; Idowu, Peter Ayodeji ; Mpofu, Takalani Judas
Buthelezi, Nqobile Lungile
Mtileni, Bohani
Nephawe, Khathutshelo Agree
Modiba, Mamokoma Catherine
Mpedi, Hezekiel
Idowu, Peter Ayodeji
Mpofu, Takalani Judas
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Abstract
Background and Aim: A piglet’s pre-weaning performance significantly influences both animal welfare and profitability in pig production. Understanding piglet pre-weaning performance influencing factors is key to enhancing animal welfare,
reducing losses, and boosting profitability. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of parity, season of birth, and sex on within-litter variation and pre-weaning performance of F1 Large White × Landrace pigs.
Materials and Methods: Information regarding total litter size, number of born alive, number of stillbirths, piglet weight at birth, mortality, and count of weaned F1 Large White × Landrace piglets was acquired from the farm database (April
2022–February 2023). 2602 females and 2882 males, a total of 5484 piglets were utilized, with records from 360 sows. The coefficient of variation (CV) of birth weights among piglets within a litter was calculated. The general linear model
analysis in MiniTab 17 was used to evaluate the data, with Fisher’s least significant difference test (p < 0.05) used for mean separation and Pearson’s moment correlation coefficient calculated to assess relationships between survival rates, mortality rates, litter size, birth weight, and birth weight CV.
Results: Parity had a statistically significant impact on litter size, birth weight, and survival rate (p < 0.05). The sow’s parity did not significantly (p > 0.05) impact the number of piglets born alive or weaned. Multiparous sows had a significantly
larger litter size (p < 0.05) than primiparous sows at birth. The litter weights for parities 2, 4, and 5 did not significantly differ (p > 0.05), with averages of 20.95, 20.74, and 20.03 kg, respectively. About 91.29% was the highest survival rate
recorded in parity 2 (p < 0.05). The 1st week of life recorded an 8.02% mortality rate. The mortality rate in parity 3–5 group was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (11.90%) in week 1 than in the other groups (parity 1: 6.79%, parity 2: 5.74%,
parity 3–5: 8.54 and 9.21%). The litter sizes in autumn (17.34) and spring (17.72) were significantly larger (p < 0.05) than those in summer (16.47) and winter (16.83). In autumn and spring, the survival rate (83.15 and 85.84%, respectively) was
significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to summer (88.40%) and winter (89.07%). In all seasons, the litter weights did not significantly differ (p > 0.05). The birth weight CV was significantly (p < 0.05) lower during summer (20.11%) than
during spring (22.43%), autumn (23.71%), and winter (21.69%). The season of birth had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the number of live piglets. Males (1.34 kg) were heavier (p < 0.05) than females (1.30 kg) at birth. Notably, the birth
weight CV was similar between males (22.43%) and females (22.52%). Litter size was positively correlated with average litter weight (rp = 0.576, p < 0.001), birth weight CV (rp = 0.244, p < 0.001), and mortality rate (rp = 0.378, p < 0.001).
An insignificant relationship was observed between average litter weight and birth weight CV (rp = –0.028, p > 0.05) and survival rate (rp = –0.032, p > 0.05).
Conclusion: In F1 Large White × Landrace pigs, birth uniformity among piglets declines as litter size grows larger. In parity 3–5, multiparous sows yield litters with reduced uniformity. With an increase in litter size, uniformity among piglets at
birth worsens. A larger litter size and greater piglet birth weight variation are linked to a higher pre-weaning mortality rate. Producers need a balanced selection approach to boost litter size and must cull aging sows carefully to introduce younger, more productive females.
Description
Date
2024-06-11
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Publisher
Veterinary World
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Keywords
Birth weight coefficient of variation, Born alive, Pig production, Pre-weaning mortality, Survival rate