First reproductive and productive results on Ribatejano pig

Abstract

This trail aimed to study the effect of crossbreeding between Alentejano (AL) and Bísaro (BI) swine breeds (Ribatejano pig) on some reproductive and productive traits. Nine AL gilts and sows and six BI gilts were crossed with BI and AL boars, respectively. Mating and farrowing dates, and litter size at farrowing and 28d were registered. The pregnancy length was shorter on AL sows (111±0.4d vs 113.7±0.5d; p=0.002). The BI gilts presented higher prolificacy rate than AL on both total born (11.0±1.0 vs 6.7±0.8; p=0.004) and born alive piglets (10.0±1.0 vs 6.7±0.8; p=0.026). The mortality rate was similar in both genotypes (p=0.255) being on average 12%. At 28d after farrowing the litter size remained higher in BI sows (8.5±0.8 vs 6.1±0.6; p= 0.032). A subset of each genotype (4 gilts) was supervised during farrowing and lactation (until 28d) and piglets were weighed at birth, 24h and 28d of life. Farrowing length was not significantly different (p=0.253) between genotypes, averaging 97±22 min. When compared to ALBI (ALxBI) piglets, the BIAL (BIxAL) piglets were heavier at birth (1402±46g vs 1209±36g; p=0.002). Colostrum intake of piglets per kg of birth weight on the first 24h of life was similar between genotypes (p=0.735) being 289±15g for ALBI and 281±19g for BIAL piglets. The growth rate of piglets from birth to 28d and piglet weight at 28d were not different between genotypes (p=0.161 and p=0.091) averaging 195±6g and 6761±181g, respectively. Litter weight at 28d tended (p=0.058) to be higher on ALBI litters (56.6±4.0kg) than BIAL litters (43.2±4.0kg). These results obtained within the frame of Treasure project are the first data available so far from this cross and it could be useful in future as reference for further studies and also for farmers that may try these crosses on a commercial basis.