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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #121462
Title: MODELING THE CHANGING GENETICS OF SWINE GROWTH

Author
item BRIDGES, T - UNIV KENTUCKY
item Brown-Brandl, Tami
item TURNER, L - UNIV KENTUCKY
item Nienaber, John

Submitted to: Livestock Environment International Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/10/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The NCPIG swine growth model was designed to be used by researchers, extension agents, and producers. This model was designed to help producers make management decisions on nutrition and/or building environment. In order for the model to accurately predict the effects of nutrition and environment it must account for the effects of swine genetics. A study was sdesigned to compare growth information from two types of pigs with predictions from the model. It was found that the model predictions were reasonably close to the live animal data.

Technical Abstract: The NCPIG swine simulation model was calibrated to model the growth of a newer BT high lean growth genetic line developed at the Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska. Body weights measured in a growth experiment at MARC were used to calibrate the computer model. The simulated findings for the BT line were compared to the model results of the older genetic line (BF white contemporary cross genetic line) used to develop the model and those found for both genetic types in the growth experiment. The BT genetic line grew faster, had larger daily gains and similar feed to gain ratios to the BF barrows. The NCPIG model predicted body weights and average daily gains that compared favorably to the observed values for both genetic types, but had lower feed to gain ratios than those measured for both the BF and BT line. An economic comparison of the two genotypes in the model conducted from approximately 30 to 110 kg found that the simulated BF pig reached the target weight 10 days sooner than did the BT line, but was not more economical.