TDK conference 2017

The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between back fat and the reproductive performance (pregnancy rate, the number of total and live born piglets) of the animals. Altogether 1056 sows and 256 gilts were involved in this study. After weaning the mean back fat was measured, categories (low condition thresholds were 10-12-14-16 mm) were set and data were analysed. The back fat thickness was influenced by number of parities. From the 2nd to 7th parity the back fat of the sows was significantly thinner than that of the gilts and 8th parity sows. The same relationship was detected between parities and pregnancy rates. The pregnancy rates of sows of 3rd to 5th parity was significantly lower than the parity rates of gilts. The number of total born piglets was significantly higher in sows of 3rd and 4th parities than in gilts. There was no significant difference in the number of live born piglets but in the 3rd and 4th parities the number of live born piglets seemed to be a bit higher. In gilts the back fat did not influence the pregnancy rate or the number of total and live born piglets. In sows in the set back fat categories (except for 16 mm) there was significant difference between the low and normal condition animals in the pregnancy rates. However the back fat did not affect the number of total and live born piglets. Interestingly sows that had thicker back fat at weaning (+ 2mm on average) were significantly more likely to receive Regumate treatment than sows with thinner back fat. The Regumate treatment did not influence the pregnancy rate in sows but it had an effect on the number of piglets. Both the number of total and live born piglets were an average half piglet more in the Regumate group irrespectively of the back fat.