A Comparative Evaluation on Productive and Reproductive Traits of Tamworth X Desi and Hampshire X Niang Megha Pigs under Subtropical Hill Ecosystem in Eastern Himalayas Region of India

Abstract

Background: Pig farming is the integral component of farming system in the tribal dominated North Eastern region of India since pork is the most preferred meat among tribal population. However, pork still remains deficit and a high supply-demand gap exists due to low productivity of nondescript local pigs. In this context, popularization of crossbred pigs is the suitable option to enhance productivity. Thus, the study was carried out to evaluate the performance of crossbred pigs viz., Tamworth X Desi (T and D), Hampshire X Niang Megha (H and NM) in order to improve the pig productivity in the region. Methods: Data was collected from crossbred pigs viz., Tamworth X desi (T and D), Hampshire X Niang Megha (H and NM) and Niang Megha (NM) pigs which is maintained in the Pig breeding farm of the institute. This data included the study of productive (n=778 piglets), reproductive (n =107 sows) and carcass traits (n =45 slaughters) over a period of about eight years (2005-2013) from the farm record books cum-pedigree sheet of the pig farm. The date was analyzed suitable statistical tools. Result: The study recorded no significant differences (P less than 0.01) in pre weaning body weight, growth rate and mortality rate between T and D and H and NM crossbred pigs however, both the crossbred pigs revealed significantly (P less than 0.05) higher pre weaning body weight and growth rate than that of NM pig. Post weaning body weight were significantly (P less than0.05) highest in T and D crossbred pigs followed by H and NM crossbred pig as compared to NM pigs at all age groups. Farrowing rate were significantly (P less than 0.05) highest in NM pigs and lowest in T and D crossbred pigs. However, farrowing interval were significantly (P less than0.05) highest in NM pig and lowest in H and NM crossbred pigs. Regarding litter size at birth and weaning, there was no significant (P less than0.01) difference between T and D and H and NM pig but both these pigs revealed significantly (P less than0.05) higher litter performance than NM pig. Back fat thickness and loin eye area were significantly highest in T and D pigs and lowest in NM pig. However, NM pig has significantly highest lean meat content than T and D and H and NM crossbred pig. There was no significant difference (P less than0.01) observed of dressing percentage between T and D and H and NM crossbred pig but, both the genetic group yield significantly (P less than0.05) higher dressing percentage than Niang Megha pigs. Based on the productive, reproductive and carcass traits, the study concluded that T and D pigs more suitable for fattener pig production due to their higher growth performance and carcass yield, whereas H and M pigs can be utilized for breeding purpose in subtropical hill ecosystem of Northeast India.