HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Robison, O. W. Articles by Berruecos, J. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Robison, O. W. Articles by Berruecos, J. M.

Feed Efficiency in Swine. II. Prediction of Efficiency and Genetic Correlations with Carcass Traits^{1, 2,}

North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27607

Abstract

Data for this study were collected from 321 individually fed barrows, representing 62 sires. These results suggest that tests of 42 days in length and, perhaps, certain 28-day tests would adequately characterize pigs for growth and efficiency. Addition of percent lean cuts or carcass backfat did not significantly increase the accuracy of ADG or efficiencies from parts of the total test in predicting F/G or ADG for the total test.

Indexes using ADG on test or lifetime ADG and live backfat probe would be 112% and 85%, respectively, as effective in selecting for F/G as direct selection for F/G.

The genetic correlations between efficiency and carcass traits suggest that selection for increased efficiency would be expected to produce negative effects in Longissimus muscle area, free moisture, color and pH. However, percent lean cuts, backfat and marbling should be improved. On the other hand, the only undesirable changes expected when selection is applied for ADG is in live backfat and Longissimus muscle area, with no appreciable change in carcass quality.

¹ Paper No. 3905 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh.

² The authors express their appreciation to Drs. H. B. Craig and T. N. Blumer for assistance in obtaining the carcass quality data.

³ Present address: Institute Nacional de Investigaciones Pecuarias, S.A.G., Km. 15.5 Carr. México-Toluca, México 10, D.F.