The results of this study indicate that birthweight, pre-weaning growth, and weaning weight of potential replacement gilts are aspects of the neonatal environment of replacement gilts that have a significant effect on their subsequent lifetime productivity and pre-weaning management of…
Capturing genetic potential for greater sow lifetime productivity
Extensive collection of data on litter birth weight phenotypes has been a key part of the Preliminary (Phase 1) Trial and involved weighing successive litters born to over 1,000 Line 3 sows. In turn, this provided the background data to…
Moderating body temperature decline in low birth weight piglets in the early post-natal period to improve survival and enhance animal welfare.
Lipidome markers used for gilt selection
Capturing genetic potential for greater sow lifetime productivity. Main (Phase 2) Trial: Year 3 (February 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018)
Optimal dietary protein for the development of gilts. NPB #15-119 (14-235-Year2)
This experiment was undertaken to develop diets that could be fed ad libitum to developing gilts that would result in differences in growth rate or body composition during development. A further component of the experiment was to determine whether diets…
Effects of Preweaning factors on Sow Lifetime Productivity
The objective of the study was to associate preweaning factors in gilt multiplication with the subsequent lifetime productivity of females in commercial sow herds. Sows were farrowed at two Smithfield Hog Production multiplication farms located in North Carolina between…
Replacement gilt candidate feet, leg and reproductive trait evaluation using digital analysis and visual observation.
The impact of the timing of relocation of replacement gilts from pens to stalls on gilt fertility and sow longevity
This research addressed uncertainties involving the effects of the timing of transition from pen housing to stalls on replacement gilt fertility and longevity. In most US farms, replacement gilts are managed in group pens during the development and selection phases.…
Diagnosis of sow lameness using the microcomputer-based force plate system and pattern recognition methods
Sow longevity is a key component to breeding herd profitability. Lameness is a major reason for culling and therefore can negatively impact sow longevity. Lameness assessment in group housing systems requires the labor of skilled employees on a regular basis.…