Volume 59 (2009) Issue: 2009 No#5-6

Distinguishable characteristics and early growth of piglets from Lithuanian indigenous pigs and wild boar intercross and backcross

Author(s): Razmaite Violeta, Kerziene Sigita

Keywords:swine, hybrids, early growth, wattles, coat coloration patterns

The objective of the study was to examine distinguishable characteristics between Lithuanian indigenous pigs and their hybrids through the presence of wattles, coat coloration patterns of newborn piglets and their early growth. Introgression of wild boar into Lithuanian indigenous pigs reduced the number of stillborn and dead piglets until 3 weeks of age (0.1<p
0.05). Negative correlations between the number and weight of piglets at birth were found. The highest portion of low weight piglets and the lowest mean weight at birth was found for 1/4 WB piglets (p<0.05) but their early growth rates were higher than those of 1/2 WB piglets. However, the highest growth rates were determined for purebred Lithuanian indigenous pigs (p<0.05). The weight at birth of male piglets was higher (p<0.05) than that of female piglets in all studied groups. The higher weight of male piglets from birth until weaning (p<0.05) was only in 1/2 WB genotype. 71.7% of 1/4 WB and 31.6% of 1/2 WB piglets inherited wattles, a morphological feature of Lithuanian indigenous pigs. The striped pattern was found in all 1/2 WB piglets and in 32.1% of 1/4 WB piglets. The portion of wild boar had a significant effect on piglet coat coloration.