J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1984. 58:541-544.
© 1984 American Society of Animal Science
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Effects of Exercise During the Growing-Finishing Period on Performance, Age at Puberty and Conception Rate of Gilts

O. M. Hale1, G. L. Newton1 and E. R. Cleveland2

University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Station, Tifton 31793,3

Abstract

Littermate gilts were used to study the effects of exercise during the growing-finishing period on performance, age at puberty and conception rate. In trial 1, 12 gilts walked 15 min daily on a treadmill 6 d/wk (Monday through Saturday) until they attained body weights of about 100 kg, while 12 littermate gilts were not forced to exercise. Initial weight and age averaged 24.7 kg and 74 d, respectively. For trial 2, 12 gilts walked 30 min daily 6 d/wk (Monday through Saturday) on a treadmill, while 12 littermate gilts were not exercised. Initial weight and age of these gilts averaged 26.8 kg and 76 d, respectively. The treadmill was operated at 0 slope and at a speed of 2.6 km/h. Within trial, there were no differences (P<.05) in weight gain, average daily gain, feed consumed, feed to gain ratio, average backfat depth or loin eye area between gilts exercised and those not exercised. In both trials, there were no differences (P<.05) in age at puberty between exercised and nonexercised gilts. In trial 2, 10 gilts were selected in each of the exercised and nonexercised groups and were hand-mated to the same boar on the second estrous cycle. Eight gilts from the exercised group conceived, while nine from the nonexercised group conceived. Four gilts from the nonexercised groups had severe locomotor problems while only one gilt from the exercised groups had difficulty walking.

Footnotes

1 Dept. of Anim. Sci.

2 Rural Development Center, Tifton, GA 31793.

3 Supported by State and Hatch funds allocated to the Georgia Agr. Exp. Sta.






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Copyright © 1984 by the American Society of Animal Science.