Indian Journal of Animal Research

SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 55
  • Issue: 11

Testing strategies of pigs for measurement of feed efficiency: relative improvement in feed efficiency from relying solely on indirect selection compared to indirect selection for faster growth rate and higher percent lean

  • Author:
  • Wootichai Kenchaiwong1, Monchai Duangjinda12, Wuttigrai Boonkum12, John W. Mabry3
  • Total Page Count: 4
  • Page Number: 1267 to 1270

1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen-40002, Thailand

2Research and Development Network Center for Animal Breeding, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen-40002, Thailand

3Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames-50011

*Corresponding Author: Monchai Duangjinda, Research and Development Network Center for Animal Breeding, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen-40002, Thailand, Email: monchai@kku.ac.th

Online Published on 14 December, 2021.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare different testing strategies of pigs involving direct measurement of feed efficiency in pig. Using simulated data software, we collected individual information for FCR and grouped trials into direct and indirect measurement. The direct FCR included measurement of FCR in both sexes (100M-100F), in boars only (100M), in 50% of boars and 50% of gilts (50M-50F) and in only 50% of boars (50M-0F). Direct measures of FCR (0M-0F) in indirect selection were not used. The highest and the lowest genetic regression responses in FCR were observed for 100M-100F and indirect selection scenarios (0M-0F). Among direct selection, the increase in genetic progress was directly related to the percent of pigs tested for FCR. Using FCRs records more than 50% (50M-50F or 100M) can raise response higher than 80%. Meanwhile, 0M-0F showed a loss in genetic gain more than 50% when compared with 100M-100F. These results suggest using direct measurements on at least 50% of all pigs for genetic evaluation in FCR.

Keywords

Feed conversion ratio, Genetic response, Indirect selection