Growth performance of Hampshire, Large White Yorkshire and Mizo local pigs under field conditions in Mizoram

Abstract

Astudy was undertaken to assess the growth performance of Hampshire, Large White Yorkshire and Mizo local pigs under field conditions in Mizoram. Piglets (45: 8 males and 7 females of each breed) were selected randomly in and around Kolasib district ofMizoram. The existing local methods of housing, feeding and other managemental practices were recorded. Body weight of piglets was taken at monthly interval up to 9 months age. The average feed offered by the farmer/pig/day was 1.53 kg kitchen waste, I kg locally available grasses and 200 g concentrate. Hampshire and Large White Yorkshire pigs had significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight than the Mizo local pigs at any given time of the study. The average daily weight gain up to 9 months age was 185, 174 and 122 g for Hampshire, Large White Yorkshire and Mizo local pigs, respectively. There was no significant difference in the body weight between male and female pigs of alJ the 3 breeds studied. From this study, it may be inferred that Hampshire and Large White Yorkshire pigs gain significantly higher body weight than the Mizo local pigs under field conditions in Micoram.