Traits affecting postweaning weight gain and feed intake of primiparous sows

Seventy-six primiparous Duroc and Landrace sows from two genetic lines with or without selection for improved sow productivity were used to identify sow traits that affect postweaning gain (positive or negative) and feed intake. Sows lost weight (P less than .01) and consumed less feed (P less than .01) during wk 1 postweaning (37 d) compared with wk 2, 3, and 4. Sows gained more weight during wk 2 and 3 (P less than .01) than during wk 4. Weekly feed consumption was similar during wk 2 and 4 and highest during wk 3 (P less than .05). Sow weight gain postweaning was predicted by sow weaning weight (P less than .01) and adjusted 21-d litter weight (P less than .05) during wk 1, wk 1 to 2, and wk 1 to 4 feeding periods. Feed consumption was best predicted by adjusted litter weaning weight (P less than .01), sow weaning weight (P less than .01), average backfat at farrowing (P less than .01), average backfat change (P less than .05), and adjusted 21-d litter weight (P less than .05). Feed intake was positively correlated (P less than .01; r = .77) and sow weight at breeding, farrowing, and weaning was negatively correlated (P less than .05; r = -.23, -.21, and -.26, respectively) with sow weight gain. Average backfat at weaning was negatively correlated (P less than .05) with gain and feed intake during each period. Adjusted 21-d litter weight and adjusted litter weaning weight were positively correlated with postweaning feed intake (P less than .05; r = .22 and .23, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)