LARGE-COPIOUS MINIPIGS OF ICG SB RAS: POTENTIAL OF UNREALIZABLE OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

This publication presents the results of the analysis of the dynamics of changes in the largefruited indicators of the breeding group of minipigs of the ICG SB RAS. The analysis showed that the four large-copious indicators are divided into two pairs. The first pair is made up of sample values of the characteristic: average and maximum. These indicators are characterized by stability throughout the studied period. The second pair includes the sample minimum values and standard deviations of the trait. These two indicators are dynamic: the sample minimum values are characterized by a decrease, and the sample standard deviations are characterized by a uniform increase, described by linear regression equations. It is shown that the dynamic characteristics are related to each other. It is determined that in this complex, the leader is the minimum value, and the follower is the standard deviation. This is explained by the fact that an increase in the standard deviation is associated with a decrease in the minimum value and the stability of the maximum in the studied period of time. The result of this process is the growth of the genetic potential in the breeding group, which is responsible for the high weight of the newborn individual. However, due to the small size of sows in comparison with commercial breeds (60-70 kg), this potential cannot be realized. Nevertheless, its redundancy ensures the stabilization of the maximum and average values of the trait - the mass of a newborn individual in minipigs of the ICG SB RAS. A possible way to increase the realization of the potential of large-copious breeding group is to reduce the multiple fertility of sows, which is quite solvable, but hardly advisable. Thus there is natural selection directed against individuals with a low birth weight in the herd. Natural and artificial selection for live weight of piglets at birth of 700 g or more, both help to stabilize the average value of the trait at the level optimal for the broodstock.