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Phenotypic characterization and production performance of local pigs under village settings in the Southern Highland zone, Tanzania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2011

S.H. Mbaga ,
C.M. Lymo ,
G.C. Kifaro  and
F.P. Lekule
S.H. Mbaga
Affiliation:
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science and Production, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania
C.M. Lymo
Affiliation:
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science and Production, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania
G.C. Kifaro
Affiliation:
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science and Production, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania
F.P. Lekule
Affiliation:
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science and Production, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Summary

Indigenous pigs in Tanzania are descendants of earlier European introductions. However, a lack of systematic breeding plans, poor husbandry practices, genetic drift and possibly mutation have led to pigs of varied phenotypes. A study undertaken in Mbeya region showed that the predominant management system practised was free ranging and occasionally tethering. The average mature body weights for boars and sows were 57.4 kg and 54 kg, respectively. Coat colour varied, but the predominant colours were white (28%), black and white (24%), and solid black (19.8%). The majority (78%) of pigs had droopy ears and such pigs were found to be significantly (P<0.01) heavier with a longer trunk and increased body length when compared with those with erect ears. Other features included a long and straight face and a short curled tail. The overall mean birth weight was 0.9 kg while the mean weaning weight was 10.8 kg. The average litter size for local pigs was 6.6 piglets and litter size at weaning was 4.3 piglets. Locally raised pigs served a number of functions including among others, income, provision of meat, cooking fat and manure.

Resumen

Las razas indígenas porcinas existentes en Tanzania descienden de razas europeas introducidas con anterioridad. Sin embargo, la falta de planificación sistemática en la reproducción, las escasas prácticas en la cría, así como las posibles mutaciones genéticas han llevado a una serie de cerdos con amplia variedad fenotípica Un estudio llevado a cabo en la región de Mbeya muestra que el sistema mayormente utilizado es la cría al suelo con los animales ocasionalmente atados. La media del peso corporal de un macho y hembra adultos es de 57,4 kg y 54 kg, respectivamente. El color del manto varía pero es principalmente blanco (28%), blanco y negro (24%) y todo negro (19,8%). La mayoría de los cerdos (78%) poseen orejas caídas y resultaron ser significativamente (P<0,01) de mayor peso y con un tronco más largo en comparación con los animales con orjeas erectas. Otros de los rasgos son la cabeza larga y estrecha y la cola corta y enroscada. La media del peso al nacimiento es de 0,9 kg, mientras que la media al destete es de 10,8 kg. La camada media al nacimiento es de 6,6 cochinillos y al momento del destete de 4,3. En la cría local los animales sirven para diversas funciones, incluidas, entre otras, el suministro de carne, la provisión de grasa para cocinar y de abono, además de ser una moneda de cambio.

Keywords

Local pigsPhenotypic characteristicsProduction characteristics
Type
Research Articles
Information
Animal Genetic Resources/Resources génétiques animales/Recursos genéticos animales , Volume 37 , April 2005 , pp. 83 - 90
Copyright
Copyright © Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2005

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