Preweaning average daily gain - a comparative analysis of 50 and 75 per cent Large White Yorkshire crosses.

Data on body weights of 232 piglets of Large White Yorkshire crosses 50 (n=70) and 75 (n=162) per cent belonging to F3 generation were recorded from birth to weaning at weekly intervals at the AICRP on Pigs of Livestock Research Station, Kattupakkam. The preweaning growth rates as Average Daily Gain at two weeks interval up to weaning were subjected to Least squares analysis. The overall mean birth weight was 1.16 ± 0.01 kg and the mean growth rate in the period between 0-2 weeks was 140.04 ± 0.04 g. The average daily weight gains during 2-4, 4-6 and 6-8 (weaning) periods were 158.14 ± 0.05, 173.17 ± 0.06 and 245.89 ± 0.08 g respectively. The 50 per cent LWY crosses showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher average daily gains in the period from birth to two weeks and 4-6 weeks. The 75 per cent cross showed significantly (P<0.05) higher average daily gain in 2-4 weeks period and there was no significant difference in the growth rates between the genetic groups during the 6-8 weeks period. The influence of sex on the average daily weight gain was significant (P < 0.05) in the sixth week to weaning period.