Comparative study on reproductive performance and management methods of Hungarian and Lao indigenous pig breeds
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Pig production plays an essential role in the food supply for both Hungary and Laos. In 2021, Laos had a pig population of approximately 4.3 million, with more than 90% indigenous pigs; meanwhile, the Hungarian pig population was about 2.7 million. Hungarian Mangalica pigs are well-known in the European region because of their unique fat and lean meat quality, but Moo Lath pigs (ML) are well-known only in Laos as self-sufficient production for rural revitalization. However, more consumers in Laos currently prefer consuming pork produced by ML pigs as they believe in their healthy meat and fat. The lack of scientific research on improving the reproductive performance and quality of ML pigs is challenging for Lao researchers. This study aims to improve the reproductive performance of Lao indigenous pig breeds using the successful experience of Hungarian experts with Mangalica evolution. Estrous synchronization “ES” (Altrenogest Regumate®) and artificial insemination (AI) were used to improve ML gilts’ litter size and piglets’ quality. Feeding strategies and housing management were used to improve the farrowing and lactation management methods for ML sows as our core experiment in Laos. The gilts in the group of ES and AI using Duroc semen produced 3 more piglets than gilts in the control group and more than one piglet than the non-synchronizing but artificially inseminated group. In contrast, piglets mummification occurred only in gilts from synchronized and non-synchronized groups but did not occur in the control group. Our results revealed that ML gilt’s uterine capacity cannot accomodate more than 8 fetuses. Interestingly, the F1-crossbred piglets’ birth weight and growth performance on day 28 were not improved compared to those in the control group, which is noteworthy. The optimal age at the first service of ML gilts is between 210 and 240 days (d), with a body weight (BW) of nearly 45 kg. However, cross ML x Duroc gilts can attain puberty at about 137 d and approximately 193 d at first mating, with a BW of about 39.69 kg and 38.18 mm of a backfat thickness (BF). The lactation length had an adverse effect on the body conditions of the ML primiparous sows, which began in week 4 and worsened by week 7. There was no difference in the weaning weight between ML piglets weaned at 28 or 35 d of age. Likewise, the piglets weaned at 35 or 42 d showed no difference. Similarly, in this study, there was no difference in weaning weight within weaning age; 42, 49, and 56. However, the weaning age did not influence the weight gain of ML piglets in the 1st week after weaning. But, in the 2nd post-weaning week, piglets with longer suckling periods gained nearly 3 times the weight gain compared to those with shortened periods. In brief, Lao farmers should keep in mind that ML piglets should be weaned at about 5 to 6 weeks to achieve the best economic return. Similarly, the optimal age of ML gilts at first mating should not be less than 210 d. Meanwhile, the body weight should not be less than 40 kg at their 3rd or 4th oestrous cycling. Utilizing Altrenogest Regumate® in ES and AI can improve the litter size of ML gilts, but the birth weight and body weight at day 28 of crossbred ML x Duroc piglets were not affected. The capacity of gilts’ uterine horns, small body weight at first insemination, and ML sows’ milk production are to be considered when addressing these issues. The actual Mangalica reproductive management and housing methods provide an excellent example for Moo Lath farming development in Laos.