CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY OF SOWS BELONGING TO A MANGALITA SWINE POPULATION
V. Miclea, M. Zahan, Ileana Miclea
Abstract
The number of pigs belonging to the Mangalita breed is currently under rapid decline. As a consequence is the need for a conservation program presents itself. It should include the breed's characterization from a morphological and productive point of view. Therefore, our aim has been to establish reproductive indexes for 25 sows belonging to a population kept at SUINPROD Roman. Research on these animals will continue, the final goal being to preserve it ex situ. Following bibliographical investigations we have concluded that an intensive rearing system reduces the age of the first mating to 9.2 months, the sows having 106.52 kg and the number of piglets is above breed average. The mean number of piglets increases from the first birth (7.96 piglets) to the third (8.46 piglets) without any negative influence on their weight which is between 1.0 - 1.04 kg. Mortality rates are the highest for young sows (13.56%) decreasing steadily as the animals get older. With optimum rearing and feeding piglets are weaned at 30-32 days. The total weight of the piglets at weaning rises, due to improvement in sow ability to feed them.
