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Genetic analysis of sow longevity and sow lifetime reproductive traits using censored data
Author(s) -
Engblom L.,
Calderón Díaz J.A.,
Nikkilä M.,
Gray K.,
Harms P.,
Fix J.,
Tsuruta S.,
Mabry J.,
Stalder K.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of animal breeding and genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1439-0388
pISSN - 0931-2668
DOI - 10.1111/jbg.12177
Subject(s) - longevity , censoring (clinical trials) , heritability , herd , biology , trait , statistics , sire , large white , demography , zoology , mathematics , computer science , genetics , programming language , sociology
Summary Sow longevity is a key component for efficient and profitable pig farming; however, approximately 50% of sows are removed annually from a breeding herd. There is no consensus in the scientific literature regarding a definition for sow longevity; however, it has been suggested that it can be measured using several methods such as stayability and economic indicators such as lifetime piglets produced. Sow longevity can be improved by genetic selection; however, it is rarely included in genetic evaluations. One reason is elongated time intervals required to collect complete lifetime data. The effect of genetic parameter estimation software in handling incomplete data (censoring) and possible early indicator traits were evaluated analysing a 30% censored data set (12 725 pedigreed Landrace × Large White sows that included approximately 30% censored data) with DMU 6, THRGIBBS 1F90 and GIBBS 2 CEN . Heritability estimates were low for all the traits evaluated. The results show that the binary stayability traits benefited from being analysed with a threshold model compared to analysing with a linear model. Sires were ranked very similarly regardless if the program handled censoring when all available data were included. Accumulated born alive and stayability were good indicators for lifetime born alive traits. Number of piglets born alive within each parity could be used as an early indicator trait for sow longevity.