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Phenotypic and Morphological Characterization and Reproduction Attributes of Native Pigs in Bangladesh

C.H. Ritchil
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

M.M. Hossain
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

A.K.F.H. Bhuiyan
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was undertaken for a period of 30 days to investigate the phenotypic, morphological and reproduction attributes of native pigs in 14 villages of Haluaghat, Durgapur and Nalitabari upazilas in Mymensingh, Netrokona and Sherpur districts, respectively. A total of 200 experimental animals were evaluated, of which 81 were male and 119 were female. Various parameters were evaluated separately at different age groups in males and females. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to record various phenotypic information. Body weight, body length, chest girth, length from ear to tail, height at withers, height at loin region, head length, width of head, ear length, hair length, tail length and number of teats were the morphometric traits recorded. The predominant coat colour of the pigs was black, with 95 percent of them having dark skin pigmentation. The majority of pigs possessed a long, straight head (75 percent) and the rest had a shape classified as a “wide face ”. All of them had erect ears with upward orientation, whereas 98.5 percent had thin, straight tails. The pigs with stocky body shape (27.5 percent) showed larger body measurements than animals with angular body shape (72.5 percent). The mean values along with the Standard Error for traits were statistically analyzed. Three main independent variables (i.e. upazila, age and sex) were considered for an univariate analysis of variance and the correlations among traits were measured. The average, minimum and maximum values for age at first farrowing, farrowing interval, litter size, gestation period and weaning period were also measured.

Keywords: Dome pig, Wakmandi pig, Phenotypic traits, Morphometric traits, Reproductive parameters

Location: Haluaghat Upazila in Mymensingh district, Durgapur Upazila in Netrokona district and Nalitabari Upazila in Sherpur district.

Start Date: 01-09-2012

End Date: 30-09-2012

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Pig

Objectives:

To evaluate the morphological, phenotypic and reproduction attributes of native pigs, specifically in the rural areas of Haluaghat, Durgapur and Nalitabari upazilas of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Study area: The study was undertaken at four randomly selected villages of the Haluaghat Upazila located at 25.1250°N and 90.3500°E in Mymensingh district, seven villages of the Durgapur Upazila located at 25.1250°N and 90.6875°E in Netrokona district and three villages of the Nalitabari Upazila located at 25.0833°N and 90.1954°E in Sherpur district. The villages were selected because they were known to have a reasonably high density of pig populations. Before collection of data, a questionnaire was prepared in accordance with objectives of the study. Later on, the questionnaire was validated against field conditions.

Study population: All the experimental animals were of the native type (i.e. Dome or Wakmandi) pigs. All pigs were reared by the Garo(s) the indigenous people in the studied areas. A total of 200 household pig owners from the aforementioned sites were selected randomly and interviewed relevant for the study. A total of 200 experimental animals were evaluated, of which 81 were male and 119 were female pigs. One pig from each household was selected randomly.

Data collection: The study was conducted from 1 September 2012 to 30 September 2012. The phenotypic traits such as coat colour, skin pigmentation, head shape, ear direction, ear orientation, tail shape and body shape were recorded based on subjective visual observation. Body weight of piglets was recorded by using a weighing scale, whereas body weights of boars and gilts were estimated. Body length was determined by measuring the distance between points of shoulder to the pin bone. Chest girth was considered as the largest circumference of the body immediately behind the shoulder. The length from ear to tail was measured from the base of the ear to the base of the tail. Height at wither was considered as vertical distance between the ground and the point of wither. Height at loin region was considered as vertical distance between the surface and the loin region. Head length was measured from the distance between snout and forehead of pig, while head width was the distance between the eyes. The distance between the base and the tip of the pinna was considered as the ear length. Shoulder hairs were used to determine the hair length. The distance between the base and the end of the tail was constituted the tail length. The number of pairs of teats was recorded by visual observation. The litter size was based on the number born alive. Gestation and weaning period were also estimated

Statistical analysis: The accumulated data were arranged by using Microsoft Excel 2007 and these data were compiled and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v.11.5. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out with upazila, sex, age group and sex*age as explanatory variables. The raw and residual correlations among traits were also calculated.

Source of Information: Animal Genetic Resources, 2014, 54, 1 – 9. ISSN 2078-6336, © Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2014

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3701t.pdf

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Native pigs in Bangladesh showed diversity in their phenotype and morphology and positive reproductive performance, which indicates their potential for economic sustainability through purebred genetic improvement. However, these native pigs are usually raised in conditions with less than optimal husbandry and hence, this aspect needs immediate attention to ensure their conservation through utilization for the food and livelihood of indigenous, Christian and some Hindu people in Bangladesh. This can be done through a well-designed national pig improvement programme, which may include training of the pig rearer on general pig husbandry, supply of preventive vaccines and production and dissemination of quality (heavier but prolific) boars for use in the subsistence farms by the government, non-government organization or organized pig farmers of the country.

Knowledge Management: Journal