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Feedlot Performance and Soundness of Boars Tested to Heavier Weights^1,2,3,

University of Missouri, Columbia 65211

Abstract

Average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (F/G) and structural soundness scores (SS) were analyzed for 360 purebred boars to determine changes in performance traits and structural soundness of feet and legs at 31.8, 104.3 and 131.5 kg. Accumulative ADG means to 131.5 kg were similar to those of 104.3 kg (.91 and .93 kg, respectively). Performance during 13.6 kg increments of gain after 90.7 kg live weight was variable. Twenty-nine of the 360 boars displayed patterns of ADG that were not linear from 31.8 kg to 131.5 kg. Eighteen (5%) possessed negative slopes indicating a decrease in ADG over time and 11 (3%) positive slopes. Correlations of ADG with F/G within period ranged from –.43 to –.65 (P<.01). Correlations within period of ADG with ADG and F/G with F/G revealed that both gain and efficiency at weights above 104.3 kg were not significantly related to performance prior to 104.3 kg. Regressions used to predict rate of gain from 117.9 to 131.5 kg from ADG prior to 117.9 kg produced low R² values, but accurately predicted accumulative performance to 131.5 kg as measured by high R² values (P<.01). Soundness scores taken at approximately 31.8 kg were of some value in predicting overall soundness at 104.3 or 131.5 kg. This study provides further evidence of the variability in the performance of boars tested to various ending weights. A need exists to determine the relationship between boar performance beyond 104.3 kg and the performance of his progeny to 104.3 kg or heavier weights.

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agr. Exp. Sta., Journal Ser. No. 8715. Approved by the Director.

² The authors wish to thank Mr. Ross Hamilton, Mr. Mike Kautz, Dr. J. W. Massey, Dr. J. C. Rea and Mr. Lyndle Vanskike for serving on the soundness committee during one or more trials and the Missouri Pork Producers Assoc. for providing financial support. Thanks are also extended to Dr. B. N. Day for critical review.

³ Dept. of Anim. Sci.

⁴ Agr. Exp. Sta. Statistician.