Here is one of the key points that Javier Lorente made during his presentation as part of the technical seminars during SEPOR 2019 It is one of the selection objectives on which DNA Genetics focuses.
Piglet birthweight
The presentation addressed one of the most critical points, which is sometimes overlooked in raising future breeding animals: the birth weight. A study has already been carried out on 1,500 animals weighed individually at birth, weaning, at 10 weeks, and 22 weeks. It was shown that despite compensatory growth in the piglets of low weight at birth, even being able to regain weight significantly compared to their heavier siblings, especially in the first ages (see image), the average of all those piglets born under 1.2 kilos were not able to grow and develop according to the growth curve set by the genetic company and therefore do not reach the minimum required to become a future breeding animal with the best reproductive potential. Although this study is not yet finished and data from more animals is still being analyzed, this shows us the importance of making a good selection of future breeding animals at birth, setting minimum weight limits that allow us to have optimal animals entering into production.
Evolution of weight with time and compensatory growth
