COMPENSATORY GROWTH AND PIGLETS WEIGHT VARIABILITY WITHIN THE LITTER AS BREEDING CRITERIA FOR UKRAINIAN MEAT PIG BREED PERFORMANCE

Abstract

To determine the factors, affecting compensatory growth and performance of the Ukrainian meat (UM) pig breed.To analyze the impact of selection traits on the live weight of pigs during different age periods, using several growth and development indices. To determine compensatory growth by two groups of piglets (based on their individual weight, which was above the average mean piglet weight in the litter (M+) or with a weight which was below average mean piglet weight in the litter (M–), in relation to the average daily gain, ADG), in order to use these factors in a specifi c breeding program.