Analysis of repoductive seasonality in Entrepelado and Retinto Iberian pig varieties under intensive management

Abstract

[EN] Seasonal patterns in the farrowing distribution of two Iberian pig varieties (Retinto and Entrepelado) and its environmental and genetic sources of variation were analyzed within the context of a von Mises circular mixed model solved through Bayesian inference. Estimates about the dispersion parameter supported a low seasonal pattern for both Entrepelado and Retinto varieties with the farrowing peak located between March and April. Nevertheless, seasonality was corroborated by the deviance information criterion when comparing against a uniform circular model by the deviance information criterion (DIC); the uniform model increased more than 100 DIC units in both Iberian pig varieties. Regarding systematic effects, only the parity number of the sow had a relevant impact on farrowing distribution, advancing the farrowing peak in gilts and old sows. Genetic variability was only suggested in the Retinto population although with a small estimate, which would indicate little chance to modify farrowing distribution by genetic selection in the Iberian pig.