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Relationships between Performance Traits and Certain Biological Properties of Testicular Tissue in Swine¹

University of Arkansas², Fayetteville 72701

Abstract

Two trials were conducted during which 27 male swine were unilaterally castrated during the period of early growth and again during the finishing period. Another trial was conducted during which 15 male swine were bilaterally castrated during the early period of growth. Each testis was analyzed for ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), percentage dry matter (DM) and percentage crude protein (CP). Average daily gain (ADG), feed per gain (F/G) and certain carcass traits were significantly correlated with certain components of testicular tissue and body weight at the time of castration. Step-down multiple regression analysis was conducted to derive predictive regression equations for ADG, F/G and certain carcass characteristics.

Data indicated that certain physical and biochemical properties of testicular tissue were associated with ADG, F/G and certain carcass measurements. The possibility of using a tissue normally discarded in the production of market barrows to develop an early age predictive method for subsequent ADG, F/G and relative carcass merit was shown.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Department of Animal Sciences.