Effect of Pietrain genotype on early piglet growth of old Lithuanian indigenous pig breed

Abstract

All piglets (n=97) used in this study were born at the Institute of Animal Science of Lithuanian Veterinary Academy from Lithuanian indigenous wattle females inseminated to Pietrain sires from different genotypes (white and black spotted). The animals were reared indoors. The number of piglets born alive, stillborn, the number of piglets at 3 weeks and 2 months of age was recorded for each litter. The coat colour was recorded for each piglet. All piglets were weighed individually at birth (within the first few hours after farrowing), at 3 weeks and 2 months of age. No cross-fostering was used. Although carcass traits are most important, other traits, such as piglet survival and growth must also be considered. Characterization of the Pietrain genotype for the early growth of piglets is useful as regards the choice of sire genotype. Weight at birth and early growth of piglets from different Pietrain genotype sires demonstrated differences between Pietrain (white and black spotted) sired piglets.