Physiological Growth Stages of Female Backcrosses and Two-Breed Crosses for Smallhold Pig Raising

Severino  S. Capitan,; Renato  S. Vega,; Beatriz  R. Garcia,; Francisco  F. Peñalba,; C.a.s.  Estrella,

Physiological Growth Stages of Female Backcrosses and Two-Breed Crosses for Smallhold Pig Raising

Francisco F. Peñalba | Severino S. Capitan | Renato S.A Vega | C.a.s. Estrella | Beatriz R. Garcia

Discipline: Agriculture, Animal Science

Abstract:

A total of 178 female pigs from three genetic groups with unequal number per genetic group were utilized in a single factor experiment using CRD to compare the performances of the backcrossed Landrace (LDL WLD), backcrossed Large White (LWLDLW) and F₁ of LW and LD. The data gathered or computed were initial and final live weights, live weight gain (LWG), feed consumption (FC), average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) at various growth periods in pigs. The initial live weight of F₁ crossbred was significantly lower than that of LDLWLD, but comparable with that of LWLDLW pigs. Within pre-starter period significantly lower FC, ADG and WTG were obtained by F₁ than the two backcrosses. Following starter period WTG, ADG, FC and FE did not significantly differ among three genetic groups of pigs. However, as the pig progressed to grower-finisher period, F₁ obtained lower FC, FE, ADG and LWG than that of LWLDLW pigs. From pre-starter to market age, F₁ and LDLWLD showed comparable performances and their FC and FE were significantly lower than that of LWLDLW. Data indicated that although LWLDLW grew faster, they consumed more feed and were not better converter of feed. Therefore, backcrossed Landrace is the recommended alternative genetic group for F₁ pigs to be raised from which gilts would be selected for the smallholder condition.