Genetic parameters for haemoglobin levels in sows and piglets as well as sow reproductive performance and piglet survival

Abstract

Genetic parameters were estimated for haemoglobin (Hb) levels in sows and piglets as well as sow reproductive performance and piglet survival. Reproductive traits were available between 2005 and 2014 for 7857 litters from 1029 Large White and 858 Landrace sows. In 2012 and 2013, Hb levels, sow BW and sow back fat depth were measured on 348 sows with 529 litters 5 days prior to farrowing. In addition, Hb levels were available for 1127 one-day-old piglets from 383 litters (a maximum of three piglets per litter) of 277 sows with Hb levels. The average Hb levels in sows (sow Hb), their litters (litter Hb, based on average Hb of three piglets) and individual piglets (piglet Hb) were 112 ± 12.6 g/l, 103 ± 15.3 g/l and 105 ± 21.7 g/l, respectively. Heritabilities for Hb levels were 0.09 ± 0.07 for sow Hb, 0.19 ± 0.11 for litter Hb and 0.08 ± 0.05 for piglet Hb. Estimates for the permanent environment effect of sows were 0.09 ± 0.09 for sow Hb, 0.11 ± 0.12 for litter Hb and 0.12 ± 0.03 for piglet Hb. In comparison, heritabilities for both number of stillborn piglets and pre-weaning survival were lower (0.05 ± 0.01 and 0.04 ± 0.01). Sow BW had no significant heritability, while sow back fat depth was lowly heritable (0.10 ± 0.08). Positive genetic correlations were found between sow Hb and litter Hb (0.64 ± 0.47) and between litter Hb and sow back fat depth (0.71 ± 0.53). Higher litter Hb was genetically associated with lower number of stillborn piglets (−0.78 ± 0.35) and higher pre-weaning survival (0.28 ± 0.33). Negative genetic correlations between sow Hb and average piglet birth weight of the litter (−0.60 ± 0.34) and between piglet Hb and birth weight of individual piglets (−0.37 ± 0.32) indicate that selection for heavier piglets may reduce Hb levels in sows and piglets. Similarly, selection for larger litter size will reduce average piglet birth weight (rg: −0.40 ± 0.12) and pre-weaning survival (−0.57 ± 0.13) and may lead to lower litter Hb (−0.48 ± 0.27). This study shows promising first results for the use of Hb levels as a selection criterion in pig breeding programs, and selection for higher Hb levels may improve piglet survival and limit further reduction in Hb levels in sows and piglets due to selection for larger and heavier litters.

Genetic parameter analysis of reproductive traits in Large White pigs

“…For GL, there were some differences among different populations. Zhang et al [2] and Hollema et al [22] estimated heritabilities of 0.14 and 0.21, respectively, which were slightly lower than the results in our study; and the heritability estimated by Hanenberg et al [24] was consistent with this study. However, due to the small phenotypic variation in GL, the possibility of improving the reproductive performance of sows by changing the gestation cycle was also reduced.…”

“…In this study, the estimated heritabilities of seven reproductive traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.26. Heritabilities for TNB and NBA were in the range reported in previous studies, for instance, Wolf et al [21] estimated heritabilities of 0.13 for TNB and 0.14 for NBA in a Czech Large White pig population, Zhang et al [2] estimated that the heritabilities of both traits were 0.13, and Hollema et al [22] estimated that the heritability for NBA was 0.11, which were slightly higher than our estimated heritabilities. Furthermore, our estimates of heritabilities were larger than those from Ye et al [11], who reported estimated heritabilities for these two traits of 0.07 and 0.06, respectively.…”

“…Heritability for LBW was also consistent with published literature, such as the results of Wolf et al [ 21 ] and Ye et al [ 11 ], who reported estimated heritabilities of 0.06 and 0.13, respectively. The estimate of heritability for ABW was smaller than those from Kaufmann et al [ 23 ] and Hollema et al [ 22 ], with the estimated heritabilities of 0.21 and 0.29, respectively. The reason for this situation may be related to the breeding plan of the target population, which influences the piglet birth weight.…”

Killing underweighted low viable newborn piglets: Which health parameters are appropriate to make a decision?

“…Lactate concentration was measured from 0.8 to 22 mmol/L; higher values were classified as 23 mmol/L. The Hemocue® Hb 201 Analyzer (Hitado GmbH, Möhnesee, Germany) was used to measure haemoglobin concentration [ 21 ]. The measuring scale runs from zero to 15.9 mmol/L.…”

Killing Underweighted Low Viable New-Born Piglets – A First Step to a Reliable and Comprehensive Decision

“…Lactate concentration was measured from 0.8 to 22 mmol/L; higher values were classi ed as 23 mmol/L. The Hemocue Hb 201 Analyzer was used to measure haemoglobin concentration (21). The measuring scale runs from zero to 15.9 mmol/L.…”