Effects of Piglet Weight and Fraternity Size on Performance, Puberty and Farrowing Results

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Abstract
Effects of fraternity size, birth weight and early growth rate on the pig were studied. 985 gilts were used to study factors affecting performance traits. They were selected for lean tissue growth rate in two different lines, one fed a high protein diet, the other a low protein diet. The puberty analysis comprised 474 gilts. 482 sows with 937 litters were used in the farrowing study. Birth weight was favourably related to growth rate for all the periods measured, and to lean percent as well as high litter weights at farrowing. Fraternity size was unfavourably related to growth rate from birth to 25 kg in both lines and age at puberty in the low protein line. However, fraternity size was favourably related to growth rate from 25–90 kg, and to litter size and litter weight at farrowing. The gilt's piglet growth rate was not related to litter size or litter weight at farrowing.