Factors associated with sow stayability in 6 genotypes1

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of production factors with stayability to parity 4 (STAY4) under controlled experimental conditions. Data were from 2,293 female pigs, sampled from 6 genetic lines that were entered into the National Pork Producers Council Maternal Line National Genetic Evaluation Program. Genetic lines evaluated included Newsham (NH), National Swine Registry (NSR), American Diamond Swine Genetics (ADSG), Danbred (DAN), and 2 Dekalb-Monsanto lines (DK44 and GPK347). Stepwise logistic regression was utilized in the analysis of STAY4. All effects were nested within genetic line. Categorical effects in the model were arrival date to the wean-to-finish unit (entry date) and breed-gestation-farrowing facility (farm). Continuous effects in the model were gilt backfat, LM depth, ADG, age at puberty, age at first farrowing, and traits recorded before the last litter of the sow (prefarrow backfat, number born alive, number weaned, litter weaning weight, lactation feed intake, lactation backfat loss, and lactation length). Factors significant for STAY4 included farm, entry date, age at first farrowing, ADG, gilt backfat, and lactation before removal effects, as well as feed intake, number born alive, and lactation length. Age at first farrowing and lactation feed intake affected all genetic lines. Regression coefficients for STAY4 on age at first farrowing were -0.014, -0.022, -0.017, -0.016, -0.011, and -0.021 (all P < 0.05), respectively, for NH, NSR, ADSG, DK44, GPK347, and DAN genetic lines. Regression coefficients for STAY4 on lactation feed intake were 0.043, 0.049, 0.051, 0.061, 0.120, and 0.097 (all P < 0.05), respectively, for NH, NSR, ADSG, DK44, GPK347, and DAN females. Age at puberty, age at first farrowing, and lactation feed intake had the greatest effect on STAY4.