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Genetic correlations between lactation performance and growing-finishing traits in pigs
R Bergsma1, P K Mathur, E Kanis
1TOPIGS Research Center IPG, P.O. Box 43, 6640 AA Beuningen, The Netherlands. Rob.Bergsma@TOPIGS.com
Journal of Animal Science
|July 25, 2013
Summary
Genetic selection for sow litter size can negatively impact lactation performance. This study found no antagonistic genetic correlations between growing-finishing traits and lactation, suggesting combined selection is possible.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
- Swine Production
Background:
- Increased litter size in sows is linked to negative energy balance during lactation.
- Selection for feed efficiency in grower-finishers may reduce lactating sow feed intake capacity.
- Improving sow lactation performance while maintaining grower-finisher feed efficiency is crucial for commercial breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- Estimate genetic correlations between growing-finishing traits and sow lactation performance.
- Investigate the impact of additive social effects on genetic correlation estimates.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed data from 1,149 commercial crossbred sows and 7,723 grower-finisher offspring.
- Estimated genetic correlations using animal models, with and without additive social effects.
Main Results:
- Positive genetic correlations found between grower-finisher daily BW gain and sow starting BW (rg = 0.24).
- Positive genetic correlation between grower-finisher backfat and sow fat mass (rg = 0.53).
- Low genetic correlation for feed intake between growing-finishing and lactation phases (rg = +0.23).
- Negative genetic correlation between grower-finisher residual feed intake and sow lactation efficiency (rg = -0.51).
- Additive social effects did not alter genetic correlation estimates.
Conclusions:
- Selection for growing-finishing traits can be combined with selection for lactation performance in dam lines.
- Absence of antagonistic genetic correlations supports integrated selection strategies.
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