ADAPTATION LEVEL, MANAGEMENT VALUE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF LARGE WHITE SOWS OF HUNGARIAN ORIGIN IN THE STEPPE ZONE OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study of long-term adaptation, management value and productivity of Large White sows of Hungarian origin in the conditions of steppe zone of Ukraine. It was found that Large White sows of Hungarian origin are characterized by high rates of long-term adaptation, management value and reproductive qualities. Thus, their age of life is 44.1 ± 1.97 months (Cv = 35.27%); the duration of breeding use is 32.8 ± 1.95 months (Cv = 46.91%); the index "level of adaptation" varies in the range from 5.48 to 27.20 points. Taking into account the intrabreed differentiation according to the index "level of adaptation", a significant difference between the groups of sows of class M + and M- was found according to the following indicators: "farrowing received", "live piglets in total, heads", "multifetation, heads", "nest weight during the weaning at the age of 28 days, kg". The indicator "livability of piglets before weaning at the age of 28-32 days, %" in the experimental groups of sows ranges from 90.1 to 94.4%. Sows from the category "high management value" exceeded peers from the category "low management value" in terms of "farrowing received", "live piglets in total, heads", "multifetation, heads", "nest weight during the weaning at the age of 28-32 days, kg" by 46.67% on average. The indicator "livability of piglets before weaning at the age of 28-32 days, %" in different management value groups of sows ranges from 91.3 to 100.0%. The maximum increase in additional products was obtained from sows which index "level of adaptation" ranges from 5.48 to 8.20 points (+4.99%), as well as from animals of the category "high management value" (+3.41 %), respectively. These indicators are proposed to be used as criteria for selection of highly productive animals in the controlled population.