Combining Ability Test Of Crosses Among Four Breeds For Quality Pig Production

In order to set up the crossbreeding system of quality pig production in Leshan area, Sichuan province, China, combining ability testing was made among four pig breeds, i. e.,the local breed Yanan (N) as dam line, and the imported breeds Duroc(D), Landrace(L) and Yorkshare(Y) as sire lines, Six combinations including two-, three- and four-way crosses were made among N, D, L and Y, with two combinations of two- and three-way crosses among D, L and L as controls. Reproductive and productive performance comparisons were made among the eight combinations for four years. The results showed that the performance of crosses with N was better than those without N. The cross D× (YL) N was the highest in reproductive performance. The first litter size was 12.08 piglets with an average of 13.70 piglets per litter after first litter; Weaning weight at the age of 35 days was 103.70 kg for first parity and 106.80kg for latter parities; Number of live piglets at weaning was 11.58 for the first parity and 12.10 for latter parities. The growth and carcass performance of the cross D× (YL) N could better meet the demand of local market. The average daily gain was 786 g, with feed gain ratio of 2.92:1, lean meat percentage of 61.22% and intra-muscle fat of 3.20%. Considering the highest reproductive performance and better meat quality, it is concluded that the cross D× (YL) N was an appropriate cross combination for the commercial pig production in Leshan area.