Growth,carcass characteristics and economics of rearing of indigenous and exotic pigs

Abstract

In order to have a comparative knowledge of growth rate, carcass quality and economics of rearing of indigenous and exotic pigs under the same agro – climatic condition, this work has been carried out. Twelve indigenous and twelve exotic pigs of two months of age were equally divided into two groups and reared for a period of 155 days, on adlibitum feed and water. At the end of the experiment half of the pigs from each group were randomly selected, slaughtered and the carcass characteristics were studied. A significantly higher fortnightly gains was observed in exotic pigs than that of indigenous pigs (6.21 kg against 1.618 kg). Feed efficiency of indigenous pigs was inferior then that of exotic pigs (4.26 against 3.88). But feed efficiency of indigenous female was equal to that of exotic female (3.83) and better than that of exotic male (3.92). Dressing percentage of indigenous pigs exotic pigs were not significantly different (75.34 against 72.17). Back fat thickness observed were 1.53 cm and 2.03 cm in indigenous pigs and exotic pigs respectively. Loin eye area of indigenous and exotic pigs were significantly different (8.0 cm2and 25.25 cm2 respectively). Percentage of shoulder, middle and ham against cold carcass weight were 27.78, 33.27 and 25.08 respectively for indigenous pigs. The corresponding figures for exotic pigs were 28.25, 34.42 and 31.37 per cent respectively. The ham percentage was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in indigenous breed. Total cost of production per kilogram live weight was estimated to be very high in indigenous pigs than that of exotic pigs (Rs.10.52 against Rs.7.07). But when the feed cost alone is taken, the cost of production of indigenous stock was not much different from that of exotic stock (Rs.5.75 Vs. Rs.5.24).