Effects of parity, season of birth, and sex on within-litter variation and pre-weaning performance of F1 Large White × Landrace pigs

Abstract

Background and Aim: A piglet’s pre-weaning performance significantly influences both animal welfare and profitability in pig production. Understanding piglet pre-weaning performance influencing factors is key to enhancing animal welfare, reducing losses, and boosting profitability. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of parity, season of birth, and sex on within-litter variation and pre-weaning performance of F1 Large White × Landrace pigs. Materials and Methods: Information regarding total litter size, number of born alive, number of stillbirths, piglet weight at birth, mortality, and count of weaned F1 Large White × Landrace piglets was acquired from the farm database (April 2022–February 2023). 2602 females and 2882 males, a total of 5484 piglets were utilized, with records from 360 sows. The coefficient of variation (CV) of birth weights among piglets within a litter was calculated. The general linear model analysis in MiniTab 17 was used to evaluate the data, with Fisher’s least significant difference test (p 0.05) impact the number of piglets born alive or weaned. Multiparous sows had a significantly larger litter size (p 0.05), with averages of 20.95, 20.74, and 20.03 kg, respectively. About 91.29% was the highest survival rate recorded in parity 2 (p 0.05). The birth weight CV was significantly (p 0.05) on the number of live piglets. Males (1.34 kg) were heavier (p 0.05) and survival rate (rp = –0.032, p > 0.05). Conclusion: In F1 Large White × Landrace pigs, birth uniformity among piglets declines as litter size grows larger. In parity 3–5, multiparous sows yield litters with reduced uniformity. With an increase in litter size, uniformity among piglets at birth worsens. A larger litter size and greater piglet birth weight variation are linked to a higher pre-weaning mortality rate. Producers need a balanced selection approach to boost litter size and must cull aging sows carefully to introduce younger, more productive females.

Keywords

• birth weight coefficient of variation
• born alive
• pig production
• pre-weaning mortality
• survival rate