Note on the breeding performances of Large White sows bred in the middle west of Madagascar

Abstract

Kianjasoa experimental station, located in the middle west of Madagascar, had a Large White sows herd. The analysis of data concerning management of this herd from 1972 to 1981 shows important unproductive periods. The interval weaning-fecund covering is as high as 88 days and the interval last weaning-slaughtering is 171 days. Litter mean size is 9 piglets. This low prolificness is balanced by a 1.5 kg mean weight at birth and a 15 % mortality rate . The numerical productivity of sows hardly reaches 11 piglets per year.