The level of adaptation and reproductive qualities of sows of the Large white breed of Hungarian origin

Abstract

Goal. To study the life expectancy, breeding use, and reproductive qualities of sows of the Large white breed of Hungarian origin, as well as to determine the parameters of selection of highly productive and highly adaptive animals. Methods. Zootechnical (assessment of sows by life expectancy and breeding use, reproductive qualities using primary zootechnical documentation, traditio­nal and innovative assessment methods), statistical (determination of the mean, its error, indicators of variability of quantitative traits, correlation analysis). Results. It was established that the life expectancy of a Large white sow of Hungarian origin was 41.1 months on average, the duration of breeding use was 31.6 months, and the «adaptation level» (AL) index was 11.52 points. During the period of breeding use, 5.2 farrows were obtained from the animals of the specified production group; their fertility was equal to 10.5±0.11 piglets per farrow, the weight of young animals of a nidus at the time of weaning at the age of 28 days was 76.8±0.89 kg. The selection index of reproductive qualities of the sow (SIRQS) in the animals of the controlled population ranges from 71.10 to 97.43 points. Taking into account intrabreed differentiation according to the «level of adaptation» index, a reliable difference between highly adaptive (AL = 7.88–9.34 points) and low adaptive (AL = 13.94–27.20 points) sows was established by the following indicators: «farrows obtained» — 1.8 (td = 5.62; P<0.001), «total piglets obtained» — 27.5 heads (td = 6.16; P<0.001), «total live piglets obtained» — 26.6 heads (td = 6.37; P<0.001), «multifertility» — 1.2 heads (td = 3.87; P<0.001), SIRQS — 4.77 points (td = 3.15; P<0.01). The number of reliable pairwise correlation coefficients between the «life expectancy», «breeding duration», «adaptation level» index, and signs of reproductive qualities of sows was 66.7, 66.7 and 50.0%, respectively. Conclusions. Based on the research results, the selection criteria for highly productive and highly adaptive sows were determined. Highly productive animals included animals that corresponded to the elite class in terms of fertility and nidus weight at the time of weaning, as well as individuals in which the selection index of the sow’s reproductive qualities was 90.76±1.095 points or more; highly adaptive animals included animals with an «adaptation level» index of 8.54±0.125 points and less.