The effects of selecting growing pigs for a high growth rate and low backfat on sow characteristics

The effects of selecting for finisher traits on the development of breeding sows is not well understood (Lewis and Bunter 2013). It has been estimated by Hermesch et al. (2010) that for a 1 g increase in estimated breeding value (EBV) for average daily gain (ADG) of the growing pig, the sow weight (SWT) before farrowing increased on average by 0.32 kg. For a 1 mm decrease in backfat (BF) EBV of the growing pig, sow backfat (SBF) decreased on average by 1.56 mm. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of historical selection for a high ADG and low BF in growing pigs on the sows' weight, fatness and haemoglobin levels (Hb). It was hypothesised that sows with a higher genetic potential for lean meat growth as growing pigs are both heavier and leaner in each parity.