Assessment of body size and breeding performance in old European pig breeds

Abstract

The study aimed an evaluation of body size and growth performance in the Mangalita breed which were compared with results obtained in different old pig breeds in Europe. The experimental group included 30 individuals, divided into 2 groups of 15 individuals, castrated males and females. The following characteristics were determined: body length, height at withers, live weight, age at slaughter weight, average daily gain, carcass weight and yield at slaughter. The results were compared with literature data from the East-Balkan Pigs, Iberic Pigs and Nero Siciliano breeds. The highest average weight and the largest body lengthwas recorded in Mangalita males with 141.2 kg respectively (115.2 cm). The highest carcass weight was recorded at Iberic pigs (108.1kg).Although the production performances are not very high, the very good organic resistance, the great adaptability to various growing conditions and the excellent qualities of the meat are arguments in favor of the further growth of these two breeds.