| Abstract [eng] |
Pig breeding in Lithuania is a traditional branch of animal husbandry. On the 1st of January, 2009, the number of pigs in the country was 897.100 or by 20.4% less compared with the beginning of 2007. Pork amounts to about 50% of the total meat production. In Lithuania, pig breeding is based on the pyramidal principle. On the top, there are elite breeding centres, in which pigs of various breeds are improved only by pure breeding. Lower, there are breeding centres, where purebred pigs are multiplied and, upon request, crossbred gilts and boars are produced. At the bottom, there are pig production units and commercial farms producing two-, three- or more way crossbreds for meat. The breeding progenies are bred and distributed by 30 pig breeding centres. Besides, there are five breeding enterprises where sires of the different breeds are housed for semen collection. Thus, pig breeders (especially individual ones) who do not have or want to keep breeding boars may make use of the insemination service. It can be concluded that the main task of the breeding centres is improvement and multiplication of breeding pigs and that of commercial pig breeding – rational use of the breeding progeny in crossbreeding. Besides Lithuanian Whites, in the country are bred Large White, Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc and Pietrain pig breeds. Increasing demand for lean, high quality pork forces to estimate and analyse fattening and meatiness traits of purebred pigs. According to methodology of control fattening and slaughtering, such work was done in 2008 in the State Pig Breeding Station. According to the investigation data, genetic potential of pig breeds kept in Lithuania is able to ensure output of profitable pork. Landraces are distinguished among other breeds by especially good daily gain (852 g.), muscularity (56.3%) and the thinnest back fat (15.0 mm). [...]. |
