Dynamics of the realization of the genetic potential of fattening qualities of Danish-bred pigs under industrial technology conditions
Authors: Voshchenko I B. , Povod M. G. 
Published: November 2024

The article compared the dynamics of critical indicators of fattening productivity in pigs, such as the weight of the animals at the start and end of fattening, the duration of the fattening period, absolute, average daily, and relative weight gains, average daily feed intake, feed conversion, and pig survival during this period, pre-slaughter live weight, carcass weight, and slaughter yield. It was established that selection for growth intensity contributed to increased pre-slaughter weight during the studied period, while slaughter yield remained stable, although meat yield increased by 3 %. It was proven that, under the influence of selective pressure during the studied period, there was a clear trend of increased average daily, absolute, and relative weight gains, leading to higher feed consumption and improved feed conversion. The age and weight of the pigs at the start of fattening, the duration of the fattening period, and the age of the animals at the end of fattening did not fluctuate significantly throughout the study. Significant increases in pre-slaughter live weight and carcass weight were observed, along with a gradual rise in carcass meatiness. The dynamics of slaughter yield did not show a clear trend. A positive dynamic in fattening traits under selective pressure was established, while the indicators influenced by technological factors remained relatively stable. A very strong positive correlation was found between average daily feed intake and average daily weight gains, the fattening quality index, and the pigs' weight at the end of fattening; average daily weight gains and the fattening quality index and weight at the end of fattening; and the weight of pigs at the end of fattening and the fattening quality index. A high direct correlation was found between the age at 100 kg and feed conversion. A moderate positive correlation was found between the pigs' weight at the start and end of fattening and between the age of reaching 100 kg and slaughter yield. A weak positive correlation was found between the pigs' weight at the start of fattening and average daily feed intake, the fattening quality index, feed conversion, and average daily weight gains. A weak negative correlation was found between slaughter yield and the fattening quality index, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gains, and feed conversion. A moderate negative correlation was found between the pigs' weight at the start of fattening and the age of reaching 100 kg and between the weight at the end of fattening and slaughter yield. A strong negative correlation was found between the weight at the end of fattening and feed conversion and the pigs' weight at the start of fattening and slaughter yield. A strong negative correlation was found between feed conversion and the fattening quality index, average daily weight gains, and feed intake. A strong negative correlation was found between the age of 100 kg and average daily weight gains, average daily feed intake, weight at the end of fattening, and the fattening quality index.