Abstract

An investigator was conducted to evaluate the reproduction performance of sows bred at the birth centers of Giheta, Mahwa et and Nyabunyegeri. A survey questionnaire was elaborated and used to analyze all information about sow’s reproduction performance parameters including the litter size at birth, weaning, sex ratio rate, fecundity rate, interval between farrowing, and the interval between farrowing and fertilizing protrusion and the effect of breed on reproduction performance parameters was analyzed. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the interval between farrowing and in the interval between farrowing and fertilizing protrusion (p<0.05) in different pig birth centers. They were longer at the Nyabunyegeri pig birth center compared to Giheta and Mahwa pig birth centers. There is no significant difference between the pig birth centers in terms of fertility and weaning rates (p>0.05). The litter size at birth and weaning are significantly different between the pig birth centers (p<0.05); it was higher at Mahwa and lower at Nyabunyegeri. The average weight of a piglet at weaning is high at Mahwa compared to Nyabunyegeri (p<0.05). Large white breed had a higher number of piglets at birth and weaning at Mahwa pig birth center compared to the Giheta and Nyabunyegeri pig birth centers (p<0.05). The large white breed had higher sow’s reproduction performance compared to Duroc and Piétrain breeds. However, good management of the pigsty in different pig birth centers should be recommended.

Keywords:Pork production; Farm, Breed; Burundi