Influence of the body condition of sows on their reproductive qualities and feeding indexes of the young pigs obtained from them

Abstract

Objective. Determining the influence of the body conditions of sows on the indicators of their reproductive qualities and establishing the relationship with the subsequent productivity of the offspring obtained from them. Methods. To carry out research, 3 groups of sows with different conditions were formed: thin, normal, fat. Reproductive qualities were evaluated based on fertility, the number of piglets at weaning, and the weight of the nest at weaning. The feeding qualities of the offspring were determined by the average daily growth, the age at which a live weight of 100 kg was reached, and feed consumption per 1 kg of growth (according to calculated data). The meat quality of the offspring was assessed by the lard thickness index at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae. Results. As a result of research, it was established that sows with lean condition were significantly inferior to others in terms of multiple fertility, the number of piglets at weaning, and the weight of the nest at weaning (р<0.001). No significant difference was found between sows with normal and fat condition in the number of piglets at weaning, multifertility, the difference was significant only in the weight of the nest at weaning (р<0.001). The young obtained from sows with fat and normal conditions were almost at the same level in terms of fattening qualities. Piglets obtainedfrom sows with lean conditions were significantly inferior to others in terms of the age of reaching live weight of 100 kg (Р<0.05). No significant influence of the body condition of sows on the fat thickness of their offspring was recorded. Conclusions. A reliable influence of the type of body condition of sows on their reproductive qualities was established (р<0.001). Sows with lean condition were significantly inferior to others in terms offertility (-2.9 head; -2.7 head), number of piglets at weaning (-2.6 head; -2.9 head), nest weight at weaning (-25.1 kg; -37.3 kg) (р<0.001). No significant difference was found between sows with fat and normal condition in the number ofpiglets at weaning, multifertility, the difference was significant only in the index of nest weight at weaning (12.2 kg) (р<0.001). The relationship between the type of body condition of sows and the fattening and meat qualities of the offspring was determined (a reliable influence of the type of body condition of sows on the age of reaching the live weight of 100 kg in their offspring was established) (р<0.05). Piglets obtainedfrom sows with lean conditions were significantly inferior to others in terms of the age of reaching 100 kg live weight (2.3 days; 2.8 days) (р<0.05). The fattening qualities of the young obtained from sows with fat and normal conditions were almost at the same level. In terms of meat qualities (based on the thickness of lard at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae), no significant difference between the groups was found. Keywords: body condition, sows, reproductive qualities, fattening qualities, caliper, multifertility, nest weight