Predicting Productive Performance in Grow-Finisher Pigs Using Birth and Weaning Body Weight
Author
Camp Montoro, JordiGarcia Manzanilla, Edgar

Solà-Oriol, David
Muns, Ramon
Gasa, Josep
Clear, Oliver
Calderon Diaz, Julia

Keyword
body weight variabilitygrowth performance
pig
recession tree
receiver operating characteristic curve
slow growing pigs
swine
Date
2020-06-12
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Camp Montoro, J.; Manzanilla, E.G.; Solà-Oriol, D.; Muns, R.; Gasa, J.; Clear, O.; Calderón Díaz, J.A. Predicting Productive Performance in Grow-Finisher Pigs Using Birth and Weaning Body Weight. Animals 2020, 10, 1017. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10061017Abstract
This study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of birth and weaning body weight (BW) on performance indicators of grow-finisher pigs and (2) estimate birth and weaning BW cut-off values in order to identify slow growing pigs (SGP). Pigs (n = 144) were classified as SMALL (0.9 ± 0.13 kg) or BIG (1.4 ± 0.20 kg) at birth and re-classified as SMALL (5.4 ± 1.6 kg) or BIG (6.3 ± 1.91 kg) at weaning. Individual BW was recorded bi-weekly, and feed intake was recorded on a daily basis. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and days to target slaughter weight (TSW) were calculated. SMALL–SMALL pigs had lower ADG (p < 0.05) requiring 167.1 days (i.e., 14.2 extra days) to TSW (p < 0.05) compared with BIG pigs at birth and/or weaning. However, FCR was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Pigs weaned at <3.7 kg BW would likely be SGP. Pigs born at ≥1.1 kg BW or weaned at ≥6.4 kg BW are more likely to reach TSW at 22 weeks of age. The results suggest that birth BW might not be the best predictor for subsequent performance, as some small-born pigs were able to catch up with their bigger counterparts. The cut-off values identified could be used to design specific management and nutritional strategies for SGP.Funder
Teagasc Walsh Scholarship Programme; Department of Agriculture, Food and the MarineGrant Number
14/S/832ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10061017
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