Relationship of backfat thickness with growth and development of the reproductive tract in Polish white gilts

摘要

The aim of the study was to examine how the morphometric characteristics of the reproductive tract arc related to backfat thickness in growing gilts. Our research involved 100 Polish Large White and 100 Polish Landrace gilts tested at a pig testing station. After slaughter, the reproductive tract was dissected and each element was measured and weighed. All gilts of both breeds were partitioned into three groups according to average backfat thickness of 5 measurements along the spine: <= 12.5 mm (I), from 12.6 to 15.0 mm (II), and >15.0 mm (III). Gilts with thicker backfat had slightly higher age at slaughter (I vs. II; p <= 0.05), and significantly less meat in carcasses (I vs. II, vs. III p <= 0.01). The Olts with the thinnest backfat had less favourable morphometric characteristics of the uterus compared to gilts of thicker backfat. The cervix was longer (p <= 0.01) in more fatty gilts. The characteristics of the ovaries were clearly more advantageous in gilts with thicker fat in terms of the volume of both ovaries (p <= 0.01). Highly significant positive correlations were found between backfat thickness and the weight of the uterus (with and without ligament), and the length of the cervix. The correlations between fatness and ovarian parameters did not reach statistical significance. The results indicate favourable correlations between the processes that create the energy balance and the reproductive tract of growing gilts.