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Inbred versus Non-Inbred Boars Used in Two Sire Herds on Wisconsin Farms¹

University of Wisconsin³

Abstract

Differences between the progeny (topcross) of inbred boars and the progeny (non-topcross) of non-inbred boars bred to non-inbred sows have been studied in 44 farm herds.

Thirty-eight inbred boars representing several inbred lines were used in these intra-farm comparisons. Records were obtained on 1968 pigs from 314 litters sired by inbred boars and 2351 pigs from 366 litters sired by non-inbred boars.

The variables studied in the comparisons of topcross and non-topcross litters were number of pigs farrowed, number weaned, number alive at 5 months of age and the percentage viability from birth to 154 days. Individual weaning weights, gains from weaning to 5 months of age and 5 month weights were studied on the topcross and non-topcross pigs. Data were also collected on the productivity of 200 topcross and 238 non-topcross gilts. Ovulation rates were recorded on topcross and non-topcross gilts representing one line.

Pounds of feed per pound of gain and carcass information were collected from samples of topcross and non-topcross pigs farrowed and raised to weaning on farms and then brought to the University farm and fed from 72 days of age to a weight of 210 pounds.

¹ Paper No. 467 from the Departments of Genetics and Animal Husbandry, University of Wisconsin in cooperation with the Regional Swine Breeding Laboratory, U.S.D.A. Published with the approval of the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Present address: Department of Animal Husbandry, New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

³ The authors wish to thank: The Director and Project Leaders of the Regional Swine Breeding Laboratory for their cooperation; R. G. D. Steel and H. W. Norton, Station Statisticians of the Universities of Wisconsin and Illinois, respectively, for suggestions on analysis; L. E. Casida, Genetics Department, University of Wisconsin, for helpful criticisms of the interpretation; the farmers on whose farms the boars were tested; L. L. Felts, C. S. Bernard, R. M. Kottman, R. W. Bray, G. D. Wilson, D. H. Williams, E. L. Wiggins and Oscar Mayer and Company, Madison, Wisconsin, for help in obtaining the data.