Authors
Jemma Seyfang, Cameron R Ralph, Michelle L Hebart, Alan J Tilbrook, Roy N Kirkwood
Publication date
2018/9/7
Journal
Journal of Animal Science
Volume
96
Issue
9
Pages
3856-3862
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Description
Anogenital distance (AGD) has been used to reflect masculinization in litter-bearing species. As masculinization affects behavior and reproduction, AGD could be measured to assist in selecting gilts with a temperament more suited to commercial production and greater reproductive potential. We hypothesized that gilts from a male-biased litter would have a longer AGD and poorer reproductive performance. In Exp. 1, AGD and weight were measured at day 1, day 21, and week 16 of age for gilts from male-biased litters (≥60% males; n = 51) and female-biased litters (≥60% females; n = 51). Sow AGD was measured 3 d after farrowing. In Exp. 2, AGD was measured at gilt selection at approximately 24 wk of age and gilts followed to second parity. Litter sex ratio affected AGD at 16 wk of age, with gilts from female-biased litters having longer AGD (mean ± SEM, 9.1 ± 0.7 mm vs. 11.0 ± 0.6 mm, P = 0.013 …
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