Certain social enviromental factors on the reproductive performance of pigs

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of social environment on the reproductive performance of pigs and the feasibility and economics of rearing pigs of either sex together. Sixteen weaned large white Yorkshire gilts, twelve weaned sows and two boars were randomly assigned to five groups as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 each consisting of six. Pigs in T1 and T3 groups were bred at the body weight of 70 – 80 kg with designated boars at the time of breeding. The pigs in T5 group were bred in the first oestrus after weaning. In T2 and T4 group female pigs were reared with boar. Post weaning oestrus, duration of oestrus, conception rate and gestation length did not vary significantly between groups. Onset and intensity of oestrus were significantly different (P < 0.05) between groups. All gilts and sows in each group were allowed to farrow in the same pen and their litter performance was studied. The litter size and weight at birth did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) between the groups. Litter size and weight at weaning did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) between groups. The behaviour of parents and other penmates towards the litter did not vary significantly between groups. The behaviour of penmates to the litter was cordial. Overall results suggest that in farming conditions group housing system can be practiced. It is advisable to keep animals in advanced stage of pregnancy in farrowing pens till weaning of piglings.