Effects of genotype and sex on predicted feed intake and performance of a growing pig

Abstract

A simulation model for predicting the voluntary feed intake (VFI) of a growing pig is presented. Five parameters were used to describe the effects of pig genotype and sex based on the ratio of lipid mass to protein mass at maturity and the scaling of lipid mass to protein mass during potential growth (b). The simulation aimed to predict VFI, performance and body composition based on the inherent potential protein growth rate according to pig genotype and sex. All aspects of pig performance and body composition were affected to different degrees by both genotype and sex. In a simulation including both the growing stage and the finishing stage, type Lb1 (entire male with improved genotype) grew faster, had a lower feed conversion ratio, took less time reach to 120 kg and had a higher total protein mass and lower total lipid mass than the other types investigated.