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Pig Breeding

Course developer

Prior knowledge

LauZ5143, Biological Basis of Animal Husbandry

LauZ5163, Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Animal Nutrition

LauZ5164, Research Methodology in Animal Husbandry

Course abstract

The course of pig breeding is about pig selection methods in Latvia and its realization, pig quantitative and qualitative traits, possibilities and methods for its measurement and recording. Mother and father breeds, its role in pure breeding and hybridization. Breeding value and performance estimation. Breeding systems in swine breeding, its construction and realization. Pig keeping and feeding technologies.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

The course provides knowledge of breeding methods, mother and father breeding, breeding value and breeding programs, keeping and feeding scientifically based technologies. Successfully passed exam. Students will gain the skills about evaluation the breeding methods of pigs, to determine the breeding value of breeding pigs, to develop breeding programs and to implement them, to choose the best pig keeping and feeding technologies. Successfully completed practical works and seminars. Students will be competent to independently carry out research, in-depth analysis of scientific literature, publicly discuss and creatively work in pig breeding. Successfully passed exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

In full-time face-to-face studies:
1. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pigs. Lectures 2h, practical work 2h
2. Methods of character assessment. Evaluation of signs. Lectures 2h, practical works 2h.
3. Individual production capacities of pigs. Productivity accounting. Lectures 2h, practical work 3h.
4. Reproduction indicators of sows. Indicator analysis. Lectures 2h, practical works 2h.
5. Meat quality characteristics. Assessment of meat quality. Lectures 2 hours, practical work 3 hours.
6. Features of body structure. Exterior evaluation methods. Lectures 1 h, practical works 2 h.
1st seminar. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pigs, their evaluation 1 h.
7. Pig feeding technologies. Pig feeding analysis. Lectures 2h, practical works 4h.
8. Ways of keeping pigs. Lectures 2h.
9. Pig welfare. Lectures 2h.
2nd seminar. Scientific aspects of feeding and keeping pigs 1 h.
10. Productive and reproductive characteristics of "mother" breeds of pigs. Lectures 2h, practical work 2h.
11. Importance of the Yorkshire pig breed in Latvian pig farming. Lectures 1h
12. Landrace breed selection and use for creating mother forms. Lectures 1h
13. "Father" breeds of pigs. Formation and use of terminal boars. Lectures 1h, practical works 2h.
3rd seminar. Creation and use of pig breeds 1 h
14. Breeding methods and programs in pig farming. Lectures 2h
15. Pedigree value of pigs. Lectures 2h, practical works 2h.
16. Experience of using selection indices in other countries and perspectives of its use in Latvia. The use of the "BLUP" method in the assessment of breeding pigs. Lectures 2h
4th seminar. Evaluation and selection of pigs 1h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Successfully did practical works and seminars, passed final exam.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The student independently studies popular and scientific literature about topics of seminars, prepared presentations for seminars.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Student can get a successful mark on the exam if at least 50% of the questions are answered correctly. The practical work performed is evaluated according to the evaluation procedure specified in the practical task. Without the successful completion of practical works and seminars, student cannot take a exam.

Compulsory reading

1. Bērziņa Z., Kairiša D., Laurs A., Priekulis J., Štrausa S.,Veģe A. Liellopu un cūku mītnes: tehnoloģija un aprīkošana. Jelgava, 2003. 198 lpp.
2.Whittemore C.T., Kyriazakis I. Whittemore's science and practice of pig production. 3rd. edition. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, U.K., 2006. 659 p.
3. Vernon P.R., Forwel R., Baxter S, Smith B. The Growing and Finishing Pig: Improwing Efficiency. United Kingdom: Farming Press, 1996. ,273 p , 1.eks. Dzīvnieku zinātņu institūtā
4. Cole D.J.A., Wiseman J., Varley M.A. Principles of Pig Science. Nottingham University Press. London, 1994. 472 p
5. NRC. Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th rev.ed. The National Academies Press, Washington, 2012. D.C.,400 pp., https://www.nap.edu/catalog/13298/nutrient-requirements-of-swine-eleventh-revised-edition

Further reading

1. Latvietis J. Lopbarība. SIA Latvijas Lauku konsultāciju un izglītības centrs. Ozolnieki, ISBN 978-9984-48-096-1, 2013. 308. Lpp.
2. World Review of Animal Production. World Association for Animal Production ISSN: 0043-8979.
3. Livestock Production Science Published/Hosted by Elsevier Science. ISSN: 0301-6226. 3. Pig International Published by Watt Publishing Company. ISSN: 0191-8834.
4. Ciltsdarba programma Latvijā audzētajām cūku šķirnēm.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Populārzinātnisks žurnāls “Saimnieks”. Rīga : TEE BIO, 2004- ISSN 1691-1598.
2. Populārzinātnisks žurnāls “Agrotops” AgroTops. Rīga: Aģentūra Agro apgāds. ISSN 1407-5164.
3. Agronomy research, žurnāls, [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 10.02.2019.]. Pieejams http://agronomy.emu.ee/
4. Science Direct database. [Online] [viewed 14.02.2019.]. https://www.sciencedirect.com
5. Zinātniski praktiskās konferences "Līdzsvarota lauksaimniecība" raksti. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 14.02.2019.]. http://llufb.llu.lv

Notes

Special course of the Master's study program "Agriculture" of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology. Elective course for master's students in the animal sciences specialization study program.