Reproductive Parameters of Native Sows in Selected Area of Bangladesh

Abstract

Reproductive performance is considered as one of the important factors affecting the productivity and economy of the pig farms. The objective of the study was to determine the reproductive parameters of gilts and sows by direct interview method using a pretested questionnaire in selected area of Bangladesh. A total of 20 pig farms having 60 gilts and 27 sows were included in this investigation. The present study revealed that, in native female pigs, the age at puberty was 229.0 ± 16.7 days, the oestrous cycle length was 22.2 ± 1.2 days, the oestrous duration was 37.9 ± 14.2 hours, the gestation length was 113.5 ± 1.0 days, the interval between farrowing and onset of oestrus was 62.9 ± 11.9 days and the number of piglets born per native sow was 5.25 ± 2.3. It was also found that the first service pregnancy rate was 71.7% and the number of services required for each pregnancy was 1.3. The highest proportion of pigs was detected in oestrus by observing stand to be mounted by boars. It is concluded that reproductive parameters of native sows need to be improved for better production.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21294

Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 211-215