Pre-weaning piglet mortality of different genetic groups of pig at KVK operating villages of Assam

Abstract

Records pertaining to 286 litters of HD-K75, HD-K75 X Ghoongroo and Ghoongroo pigs maintained at private farms of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Baksa operating villages of Baska district of Assam were utilized to carry out a study on preweaning piglet mortality. Data were classified into three genetic groups (HD-K75, HDK75 X Ghoongroo and Ghoongroo), four parities of dam, three systems of rearing (intensive, semi-intensive and tethering) and four seasons of farrowing (Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Post-monsoon and Winter).The overall least-squares mean of pre-weaning piglet mortality (%) was found to be 23.001± 0.603. The analysis of variance revealed that genetic group, parity of dam and season of farrowing had no significant effect on pre-weaning mortality, whereas system of rearing had highly significant effect (P0.01) on pre-weaning piglet mortality. Marginally higher mortality percentage was noticed in Ghoongroo pigs, in piglets born to 3rd parity and in winter season. Significantly higher mortality was noticed in piglets reared in tethering system.