Correlated response to selection for litter size in pigs: I. Growth, fat deposition, and feeding behavior traits1

Abstract

Data on individually tested pigs from a line selected for litter size (H) and a control line (C) were used to estimate the correlated responses to litter size in growth, fat, and feeding behavior patterns from 75 to 165 d of age. During the test period, BW and ultrasonic midback (UMB) and loin (ULB) backfat were recorded periodically on the same animal. Individual voluntary feed intake (DFI), number of visits (NVD), and feeding time (FTD) were measured on a daily basis using an automatic feeding system. Third degree polynomial models with random regression coefficients were used to describe BW, UMB, ULB, DFI, NVD, and FTD as a function of age. The first derivative of the model for BW was used to estimate growth rate. Several measurements of efficiency were obtained using polynomial models on accumulated DFI, NVD, and FTD. The difference between the genetic means of animals from line H and line C was used to estimate correlated responses. The H pigs showed higher BW throughout most of the test period (2.29 ± 0.90 kg at 135 d of age, P < 0.05) but they were not different (P = 0.18) from C pigs at the end of the test (102 kg, SD 9). Thus, despite both lines showing similar average growth rate on the test, line H grew faster at the start of the test (34 ± 11 g/d, P < 0.01), but it grew more slowly by the end (−68 ± 27 g/d, P < 0.05). Fat deposition rate differed between lines, with H pigs showing higher UMB (1.26 ± 0.23 mm, P < 0.01) and ULB (1.32 ± 0.28 mm, P < 0.01) at 165 d of age. The difference between lines in total on-test feed intake was not significant (P = 0.10), but intake was slightly higher in line H between 105 and 135 d of age (2.28 ± 1.25 kg, P = 0.07). Line H showed a higher feed efficiency up to about 100 d of age, whereas line C performed better from this age until 165 d of age. However, differences never exceeded 18 ± 6 g of weight gain per kilogram of feed consumption (P < 0.01). Total feed efficiency throughout the test period was slightly higher in line C (1.37 ± 0.77 kg of weight gain after eating 185 kg of feed, P = 0.08). Lines H and C had distinct feeding patterns with regard to eating frequency. Pigs from line H ate less frequently, but instead they spent more time and ate more per visit. In the long term, selection for litter size could result in pigs with less capacity of lean growth.