Does the Degree of Fatness and Muscularity Determined by Ultrasound Method Affect Sows’ Reproductive Performance?

SIMPLE SUMMARY: One of the factors strongly affecting the profitability of animals breeding is their reproductive performance. The measurement of gilts and sows’ fatness and muscularity levels can be a useful tool in forecasting their future reproductive parameters, and thus possible selection with respect to these parameters, which is a significant issue from a practical breeders’ point of view. The aim of the study was an evaluation of the fatness and muscularity of pure-bred and hybrid gilts measured using an Aloka SSD-500 device in three consecutive parities, and the relationship between these features and reproductive performance parameters such as litter traits at birth and weaning, pregnancy length and weaning to service interval. It was observed that fatness degree affected the reproductive parameters of females. The females with higher values of fatness traits achieved better farrowing rate and higher numbers of born piglets, and decreased mortality, higher gains of piglets and higher body weight at weaning, as well as a shortening of the weaning-to-service interval were noted. Intramuscular fat content did not affect reproductive parameters. Muscularity also affected reproductive performance parameters, except gestation period. The lowest reproductive indices were found in females with too-high muscularity levels. ABSTRACT: The fatness and muscularity of Polish Landrace, Polish Large White gilts and sows and their hybrids were determined on the basis of ultrasound measurements in three consecutive parities, and then the relationship between these parameters and reproductive performance was established. Ultrasound measurements demonstrated the highest fat thickness in first parity and the highest fat area over LD muscle in hybrid gilts (PL × PLW). Pure-bred gilts were characterized by poorer muscularity. Fatness level affected the reproductive parameters of females in which the thickness of backfat in UP2 point was above 22.25 mm, the thickness of backfat in UP4 point was above 17.36 mm and the fat area over LD muscle was above 25.81 cm(2). These females achieved better farrowing rates and higher numbers of born piglets. Decreased mortality, higher gains of piglets and higher body weight at weaning were observed, and the weaning to service interval was shortened in fatter females. Intramuscular fat content did not affect reproductive parameters. Muscularity negatively affected reproductive performance parameters, except gestation period. Too-high muscularity was related to the lowest levels of reproductive indices. The analysis of gilts and sows’ fatness and muscularity levels can help to predict their reproductive performance in the future and thus optimize production results.