Improving sow lifetime productivity and the number of quality pigs marketed per sow using novel phenotypes and genomics

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Identifying superior animals in the breeding program will improve sow lifetime productivity (SLP) and the number of quality pigs marketed per sow and thus will have a positive impact on overall profitability and sustainability of the Canadian pork industry. Sow lifetime productivity is a complex trait that involves interactions between the genetic potential, the underlying physiological mechanisms and the reproductive management practices implemented on farm. Sow lifetime productivity is also an important component of sow welfare and sustainability and it is of particular relevance to current industry trends.In the proposed project, we will identify the underlying genetic and phenotypic relationships between different traits in order to achieve more balanced selection to improve SLP and production profitability. We will identify the key physiological components of gilt eligibility at first service to lay the foundation for improved productivity and longevity and develop new rearing and management guidelines to ensure the improved genetic potential is expressed in commercial sow herds. Ultimately, we hypothesize this will improve overall production efficiency and result in improved competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian pig industry. The value of the expected results from this project will benefit our industry partner, the swine industry in Canada and worldwide. We will ensure the transfer of results and application in the swine industry and support the adoption of new knowledge at the commercial level, directly translating research to adoption by producers. The project will provide opportunities for highly qualified personnel in both genetics and precision pig production.