Predicting growth rates of adult working boars in a commercial boar stud

Abstract

There is almost no information on ideal growth rates for adult boars, but estimates can be made if the relationship between boar weight and age is known. Therefore, this study was aimed to predict growth rates in adult working boars in a commercial boar stud. A total of 214 adult working boars from two genetic lines in a commercial boar stud were individually weighed on a platform scale. Age of the boar was recorded at the time of weighing. A regression equation to predict boar weight as a function of age was developed by using PROC REG of SAS. The model was used to predict BW on a daily basis, and ADG was derived as the difference between two predicted BW values. Factorial estimates of daily ME requirement and feeding rates were determined. The energy requirement for weight gain was computed by using the predicted ADG as a guide in setting target weight gains. Results showed a positive curvilinear response (P<0.01) to describe the relationship between boar weight and age. Predicted ADG decreased in a curvilinear manner as the boars aged. In conclusion, on-farm growth rates can be predicted effectively by relating weight with age, taken from a representative number of boars in a given farm population. These data can then be used to develop farm specific feeding programs or to set different growth curves for experimental purposes.