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A Study of the Predictive Value of Scores on Body Conformation of Pigs Taken Previous to Final Score¹

University of Minnesota

Abstract

A total of 417 gilts were scored when 112 days old and when taken off feeding trial (200 pounds in weight or 180 days old, which ever came first). A total of 124 boars were scored for six characteristics when 112 and 140 days old and on completion of the feeding trial.

Correlations were made between the scores on the same animals taken at different ages. Most of the correlations were sufficiently high to be statistically significant at the 1 percent level. The predictive values were, however, low, so low as not to be at all encouraging regarding the reliability of individual selection at an age far removed from the age at which it is known what type of form is desired.

The data suggest that different strains approach market maturity by different routes, i.e., that animals change body proportions at different levels of timing.

The correlations between scores for ham, length of body, and depth of body on boars were relatively high and statistically significant at the 1 percent level, yet the predictive value in each instance is rather low.

¹ Paper No. 2155, Scientific Journal Series, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, University Farm, St. Paul, Minn., in cooperation with the Regional Swine Breeding Laboratory, Ames, Iowa, Bureau of Animal Industry, U.S. Department of Agriculture.