Table 4 Final multivariate models (coefficient and SE) of different predictor variables for pre- (d 0 to 28) and post-weaning ADG (d 28 to 99) for piglets from different body weight classes. Within batch, BW classes were created using percentiles (25%) resulting in 4 groups at birth (d 0) and weaning (d 27.7, SD = 1.07). Class 1 represents the lightest, class 4 the heaviest pigs. Morphometric measurements were taken within 12 h post-partum and pigs were weighed at birth, weaning and again at finisher (d 98.8; SD = 0.937)
Body weight class | Birth weight class | Weaning weight class | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average daily gain, g/day | d 0–28 | d 28–99 | d 28–99 | |||||||||
| Â | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
Predictor variable | ||||||||||||
 Birth weight, kg | – | – | – | 54.5 (21.0) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
 Relative birth weight1 | 47.5 (21.1) | – | – | 71.7 (27.1) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 75.2 (33.9) | – |
 Snout to ear length, cm | – | – | – | 12.1 (5.05) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
 Abdominal circumference, cm | – | – | 3.55 (1.77) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5.89 (2.27) | – | – |
 Body mass index2, kg/m2 | 3.20 (1.06) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
 Ponderal index3, kg/m3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0.688 (0.319) | – | – | – |
 Birth weight: Cranial circumference, kg/cm | – | 1729 (674) | – | – | 2107 (824) | – | – | – | 1128 (409) | – | – | 1542 (581) |
 Gender4 | – | 11.5 (4.53) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | −20.7 (8.59) | – | – |
 Weaning weight, kg | – | – | – | – | 15.4 (4.50) | 12.0 (4.24) | 11.0 (3.76) | 15.1 (3.42) | 36.2 (6.57) | – | – | – |
 Pre-weaning ADG, g/day | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | −0.670 (0.261) | – | – |