EFFECT OF SELECTION FOR LEANNESS ON OVERALL REPRODUCTIVE-PERFORMANCE IN LARGE WHITE SOWS

Reproductive records from 1072 Large White sows (3589 litters) were us ed to examine the effect of backfat depth (Ed) and live weight (Lw) at selection on first litter and lifetime reproductive performance. The variables investigated included mating age, total piglets born, total bent alive, piglet birth weight, number weaned weaned, piglet weaning weight, weaning to remating period and number of litters produced. Usi ng backfat depth, sows were categorized into three groups: L, 9 to 13 mm; M, 14 to 16 mm; and F, greater than or equal to 17 mm. Ed had no s ignificant effect (P > 0.05) on the measured traits for the sows group ed by fat at first parity. When lifetime reproductive data were analys ed, the L group had fewer litters (P < 0.05), and weaned fewer pigs (P < 0.01) than either rite M or F group. The birth weight for piglets f rom L sows were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than for piglets from the other groups. The data suggest that the reproductive performance o f L souls is not as good as that of M or F sows.