Swine

Genetic Parameter Estimates for Large White Sow’s Prolapse

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Abstract

The objective of the present study was to estimate the potential role that genetics plays in the prolapse incidence of the U.S. commercial sow population. Data from 22,577 purebred Large White sows from two multiplier farms were used in this study. Genetic parameters for prolapse incidence were estimated based on linear and threshold animal models utilizing AIREMLF90 and THRGIBBS1F90, respectively. Fixed effects included contemporary group as year-month of removal and removal parity. A random effect for sow’s additive genetic effect was also included in the model. Sows born in 2014 had the largest prolapse incidence (P<0.05). Moreover, the highest rectal and reproductive tract prolapse incidence tended to occur in the 1st and 2nd parities. Heritability estimates for combined vaginal and rectal prolapse incidence were 0.03±0.01 and 0.003±0.003 for the linear and threshold models, respectively. The results from this study indicate that there is very little if any genetic impact on the prolapse incidence. Pork producers should focus on the environmental effects contributing to reducing prolapse incidence.

How to Cite:

Stalder, K. J., Gray, K., Supakorn, C., Christianson, M. I. & Howard, J., (2019) “Genetic Parameter Estimates for Large White Sow’s Prolapse”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 16(1).