Effect of Breed Composition of Landrace and Large White in the Dam on Sow Productivity in Four-Breed Crossbreeding System

Francisco  F. Peñalba,

Effect of Breed Composition of Landrace and Large White in the Dam on Sow Productivity in Four-Breed Crossbreeding System

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science

Abstract:

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the productivity of sows with different breed composition of Landrace x Large White in a four-breed crossbreeding system, using 30 sows composed of 15 backcrosses (75% Landrace x 25% Large White) and 15 Fl crossbreds (50% Landrace x 50% Large White). Selected gilts were of the same age group and were subjected to the standard operating procedure in the farm. They were all mated to Duroc x Pietrain sire. Data collected were litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, pre-weaning mortality, pig weight at birth and pig weight at weaning. Genetic group did not significantly affect litter size at birth and weaning, and pre-weaning mortality. However, the backcross group had 0.45 pig at birth and 1 pig at weaning more than the F1 crossbred. Parity did not significantly influence litter size at birth and weaning, and pre-weaning mortality. However, parity 2 had higher pig at birth (0.67) and at weaning (1.14) than parity 1. Genetic group within parity did not significantly influence litter size at birth and weaning, and pre-weaning mortality. However, backcross had more pigs in parity 1 (1.27) and in parity 2 (0.73). The genetic group significantly affected (p<0.05) pig weight at birth but not pig weight at weaning. The difference in weaning weight of 0.51 kg, however, is already worth considering in terms of economics. Parity significantly influenced (p<0.05) pig weight at birth and at weaning. Genetic group within parity 1 significantly affected pig weight at birth and at weaning. Pigs of backcross group were heavier (p<0.05) than those of the FJ crossbred. Genetic group within parity 2 did not significantly influence the weights of pig" at birth and at weaning. Thus, the effect of genetic group is only on pig weight at birth regardless of parity. The genetic effect of group within parity 1 was also significant. Although the effects of genetic group across and within parity on the other traits were not significant, the differences were big and all in favor of the backcross as dam.