Correlated response in litter traits to selection for intramuscular fat in Duroc swine
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The Department of Animal Science originally concerned itself with teaching the selection, breeding, feeding and care of livestock. Today it continues this study of the symbiotic relationship between animals and humans, with practical focuses on agribusiness, science, and animal management.
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The Department of Animal Husbandry was established in 1898. The name of the department was changed to the Department of Animal Science in 1962. The Department of Poultry Science was merged into the department in 1971.
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- Department of Animal Husbandry (1898–1962)
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (parent college)
- Department of Poultry Science (merged with, 1971)
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Abstract
Data from 5 generations of a selection project for increased intramuscular fat (IMF) in the longissimus dorsi in purebred Durocs were used to determine the correlated response in litter traits to selection for intramuscular fat and to estimate genetic parameters for litter traits and predicted intramuscular fat. The correlated response in litter traits showed that selection of pigs only for IMF would result in a decrease in the maternal performance of females, along with reduced production performance of their progeny. Significant differences were found between lines for litter birth weight (LBW) and average piglet birth weight (ABW), with dams in the control line (CL) farrowing litters and piglets that were heavier at birth. Differences between the CL and SL were not significant for remaining litter traits. Moderate heritability estimates were found for TNB, NBA, LBW, NW, and LWW. Predicted intramuscular fat showed a high heritability (0.85).