Comparison of growth and reproductive performance of exotic, indigenous and cross breeds of pigs in Nepal

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate growth and reproductive performance of the exotic, indigenous and
cross breeds of pigs in Nepal. A total of 42 female piglets were selected, 7 each from breed in Hampshire,
Pakhribas black, Nagpuri, Hurrah, Pakhribas black X Nagpuri and Hampshire X Hurrah; and are kept under 6
treatments with 7 replications. Mean body weight, age at first mating, litter size at weaning, litter weight at weaning
and farrowing interval were significant (p<0.05%). Weight at first mating and litter index sow/year were significant
(p<0.01). Age of first farrowing, litter size at birth, weight of piglets at birth and piglet mortality % were non
significant. Exotic breed Hampshire has the highest adult body weight than synthetic breed Pakhribas followed
by cross breed Pakhribas X Nagpuri, Hampshire X Hurrah and local breeds Nagpuri and Hurrah. Age at first
mating, age at first farrowing and piglet mortality % were higher in local breeds. Litter size at birth, litter size at
weaning and weight of piglets at birth were higher in Pakhribas. Weight at first mating and litter weight at
weaning were higher in exotic breed. Farrowing interval was higher in local breed. Litter index was higher in
synthetic and exotic breeds.