Genetics:Genetic Markers for Sow Lifetime Productivity Studied- Swine Research Review

摘要

Sows are more productive today than ever before. However, continued improvements in sow hfetime productivity will maximize breeding herd profitability and minimize animal welfare concerns. Length of productive life is moderately heritable and has highvariance; thus, substantial genetic variation is expected in most populations. Reproductive failure is the most common reason sows are culled. Genetic improvement originates with selection in nucleus herds, which is then transmitted through the breedingpyramid in the multiplication process. Therefore, it is critical to identify selection methods that can be applied in nucleus herds that will improve length of productive life in commercial herds.