engleski

Effect of genotype of sows kept under the same housing conditions on piglet litter size

Litter size in pigs is an important component of production efficiency and sow genotype is one of the factors demonstrated to have significant effect on piglet litter size. However, other non-genetic factors including sow housing can cover up this benefit. The aim of this study was to determine association between piglet litter size and genetic type of sows kept under the same housing conditions in order to eliminate the possible influence of housing conditions. Data were collected at a commercial pig farm and included two groups of 40 sows (Swedish Landrace, SL and Segers hybrid, SG) representing a part of the farm population (groups 1 and 2). Group 3 of 28 sows (Swedish Landrace and Large White crossbreeds, SL×LW) represented the whole population of this genotype on the farm. All sows were kept under the same housing conditions during pregnancy and lactation. The average length of lactation was 25 days. Semen from the same boars was used for insemination of sows in all groups. Data on litter size included six parity records and were expressed as number of piglets born in total (NBT), number of live-born piglets (NBA) and number of still-born piglets per litter (NSB). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 8.0 (Statsoft Inc., 2008) statistical software and methods of variance analysis (one-way ANOVA and ANOVA Repeated Measures). NBT was highest in the SL×LW sow population in sixth parity and significantly differed from sixth parity of sow groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). Group 3 NBT differed significantly in sixth parity due to the first parity NBT in the same group (P<0.05). In all groups, NBA and NSB differed within the six parity cycles observed due to the sow genotype. Study results indicated the genotype of sows kept under the same housing conditions to influence the piglet litter size.

sow; genotype; housing; litter size

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