Abstract
Objective of this paper was to evaluate phenotypic variability of fertility traits of indigenous breeds of Mangalitsa (Swallow-Belly Strain Mangalitsa-SBSM), Moravka breed (M) and Resavka (R). Indigenous pig populations are usually constituted by a quite low number of active boars and sows. Their pedigree information is lacking or absent, complete phenotypic description is usually not available for most of these populations that are very well adapted to specific local agro-climatic environments. In controlled herds in period of four years, the average age at first farrowing (AFF) was 18.5 months with large variability of 5.9 months for Swallow belly Mangalitsa. Less AFF (14.3 months) and less variability (4.4 months), in relation to SBSM, determined for Moravka breed while for Resavka determined age of 14.7 months with at least variability for this trait from 4.4 months. The average number of piglets born alive (for a period of four years) of SBSM was the lowest from 4.37 to 4.81; in case of M and R, this value was significantly (P<0.001) higher (from 5.75 to 8.17 and for R breed 6.40 to 9.00). With average duration of suckling period (duration of lactation - DL) of 52.92 days in the first year for the breed SBSM with the lowest number of reared piglets (NRP=4.10) whereas the DL for M and R breeds was shorter (from 45.75 to 52.03 day) with a higher NRP (from 4.57 to 8.92 reared piglets).
Highlights
Pig production in the Republic of Serbia has a long tradition
Mangalitsa is typical fatty pig breed, it has in carcass sides 65-70% of fat and approx. 28 % meat (Petrović et al, 2009)
No differences were determined between the studied breeds in the number of stillborn piglets and duration of suckling period
Summary
Pig production in the Republic of Serbia has a long tradition. During the 19th century, pigs were the main export product. Today in Serbia there are three local indigenous pig breeds: Mangalitsa, Moravka and Resavka breeds. Moravka was created by crossing Šumadinka and Berkshire (unplanned) while the Black Slavonian pig breed was created deliberately. It was completely black without any marks. The only difference is the colour, as the Moravka is black, Resavka breed pigs are spotted (white-yellow-black) It was created as a result of non-systematic crossing with Šumadinka, Berkshire and Yorkshire for whom there are no relevant data. It is known that by extinction of one breed or strain the genetic diversity contained within them is lost Importance of these breeds reflects in genes which provide excellent ability of adapting to breeding conditions, good vitality and resistance to diseases. The breed is very resistant and well adapted to extensive housing conditions, animals of this breed need only a simple shelter from rain and snow
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