Optimising a crossbreeding production system using three specialised imported swine breeds in south-western China
Guoqing Tang A B , Ruifei Yang A , Jia Xue A , Tianfei Liu A , Zhiyao Zeng A , Anan Jiang A , Yanzhi Jiang A , Mingzhou Li A , Li Zhu A , Lin Bai A , Surong Shuai A and Xuewei Li AA College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China.
B Corresponding author. Email: tyq003@163.com
Animal Production Science 54(8) 999-1007 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN13308
Submitted: 26 February 2013 Accepted: 24 September 2013 Published: 19 November 2013
Abstract
Crossbreeding is an effective method for improving the efficiency and profit of production in pig commercial operations. It exploits available heterosis and combines breed differences for specific characteristics. Before application of a crossbreeding system, commercial swine producers should evaluate available crossbreeding systems using existing swine breeds, and choose one that is most beneficial for their own environment, resources, and management. In this study, the latest biological and economic data were collected from commercial producers in south-western China. Three imported swine breeds (Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire) were evaluated with three simulated crossbreeding systems. System 1 used a three-breed terminal cross with Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire). System 2 was based on a three-breed rotational cross of Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire. System 3 was a combined cross system with Duroc × (Landrace, Yorkshire) three-breed rotaterminal. System 1 was predicted to be the most beneficial system (￥3895.15/sow), followed by system 3 (￥3749.02/sow), and then system 2 (￥3317.33/sow). Results of this study suggested that three-breed terminal cross or rotaterminal cross should maximise effective use of heterosis and breed complementarity of three imported breeds in south-western China. Also, the relative economic values of objective traits for these systems were updated using the most up-to-date biological and economic parameters.
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