Analysis of reproduction and litter performance of the Zlotnicka Spotted breed and its different crossbreeds

Zlotnicka Spotted (ZS) is a native Polish pig breed. It is characterized by low reproduction and litter performance. This study aimed to determine the suitability of ZS pigs when crossed with Duroc and Polish Large White (PLW) according to reproduction and litter performance. Data concerning the number of piglets in the litter, litter weight, litter balance and piglet wastage were evaluated at birth, on the 7th and 21st days, and during weaning. ZS sows in purebred litters had 8.82 piglets at birth. However, the number of weaned piglets was of particular importance being only 7.33 heads in this study population. Wastage in purebred litters up to weaning was 17.34%. The highest number of piglets at birth (10.76 heads) and number of weaned piglets (8.98 heads) were estimated for D/ZS x ZS litters, although, at weaning, the heaviest piglets (9.61 kg) came from PLW x ZS litters. Results show that crossing ZS sows with Duroc, PLW boars, as well as crossing of D x ZS, improves reproduction and litter performance.