PRODUCTION ABILITIES OF LANDRACE PIGS AT BREEDING FARMS OF BELARUS

Abstract

Forecasting future animal productivity is one of the main factors determining the pace of the selection process. The index method is the most common method for assessing the breeding value of animals, as selection by breeding indices provides for the maximization of complex evaluation. The article presents the results of research on improvement of breeding and production abilities of pigs depending on the methods of selection and matching. It was found that the prolificacy rate, milk yielding capacity, number of piglets and litter weight at weaning at 35 days in sows exceeded the intrabreed indicators by 1.6-16.9%, suggesting high reproductive ability of animals.