MVSc

A study was conducted to find out the production performance and
adaptability of three newly imported breeds of pigs viz. Duroc, Large White
Yorkshire and Landracc and to compare it with that of existing Large %ite
Yorkshire pigs of Kerala. Thirty animals from each group were selected for the
study. All the animals were fed with same type of feed through out the
experimental period. Body weight and body measurements were recorded at
fortnightly intervals. The quantity of feed consumed by each group was also
recorded. Rectal temperature was measured at weekly intervals during the noon
hours. Animals were also observed during noon and feeding hours to study the
adaptive behavioral manifestations.
The results revealed that the body weight of the newly imported pigs were
superior to that of Mannuthy Large %ite Yorkshire pigs. The body weight
averaged 64.50±6.63, 62.75±5.16, 82.031±8.50 and 39.89±7.23 between 4.5 to 5
months of age and 171.25±7.69, 173.66±7.38, 169.14±9.98 and 124.66± 11.64
between 11 and 11.5 months of age. The newly imported pigs were ready for
slaughter at 6.5 to 7.0 months of age while the Mannuthy Large %ite Yorkshire
pigs attained the lOO-kg target during 9.5 to 10 months of age. The average daily

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gain calculated for the Mannuthy Large White Yorkshire pigs was also lower than
the three newly imported groups. Average daily gain up to 100 kg body weight
averaged 63(), 673, 672 and 453 g for Duroc, Large \X!hite Yorkshire Landrace and
Mannuthy Large \Xfhite Yorkshire pigs. Feed conversion ratio up to 100 kg body
weight averaged 4.03, 3.95, 3.72 and 4.63 for the above four breeds. Results of
body measurements show that the Large White Yorkshire pigs maintained at
Mannuthy farm was the smallest animal in all weight groups. Landrace pigs were
the longest (120.47 cm) and duroc pigs were the tallest (87.63) at the end of the
experimental period. Data regarding the rectal temperature revealed that the
temperature recorded for the Mannuthy pigs was slightly higher than the three
newly imported groups. Among the four breeds the newly imported Large White
Y o.rkshire pigs were the most aggressive animal at the time of feeding while Duroc
pigs were comparatively quiet at the time of feeding.
The present study revealed that the overall production performance of Large
\"X/hite Yorkshire pigs,. ancestors of which were imported to kerala about 20 years
4g0, is inferior to that of newly imported Duroc, Large White Yorkshire and
Landrace pigs. But the production performance of Mannuthv Large White
Yorkshire pigs was found to superior to that of many other exotic pigs maintained
in other parts of India.