THE GROWTH AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF VCN-MS15 PIGS.

Abstract

               The study was conducted at Hoa Binh pig farm on 41 sows and 18 boars of VCN-MS15 breed in the original generation from 12.2010 to 12.2013. The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth and reproductive performance of this new breed. The VCN-MS15 pig is a small to medium size breed with black colour, white legs, large drooping ears and a greater number of teats (> 18 teats). The study results showed that VCN-MS15 had superior reproductive performance such as age at first

estrus: from 108 to 115.7 days; weight at first estrus: 28.7- 32.4 kg; age at first mating: 142.1-152.2 days; and weight at first mating: 36.2-42.8 kg. The number of new-born alive individuals in the third generation was 13.7 piglets per litter, corresponding to 12.3 weaned pigs per litter. The above results indicated that VCN-MS15 pig would be seen as a precious genetic resource to renovate and improve pig productivity in Vietnam.