Effect of Sire Line Breed on Pig Performance

This technical report investigates the impact of different sire line breeds on the lifetime performance of slaughter generation pigs. The study was conducted at AFBI, Hillsborough, using 192 Landrace/Large White F1 dams and four terminal sire lines: Tempo, Pietrain (Austrian), Pietrain (Belgium), and Landrace. The performance metrics assessed included litter size, growth rates, feed intake, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and meat quality. Key findings indicate that while Pietrain (Austrian) litters were larger, they had a higher mortality rate and lighter birth weights compared to other breeds. Tempo pigs exhibited superior growth rates and feed intake during finishing, although their carcass performance was less favorable than that of Pietrain pigs. The report also discusses the economic implications of using different breeds, noting that Tempo and Pietrain (Austrian) pigs provided similar margins over feed costs. The study aims to guide producers in selecting appropriate terminal sires based on performance and economic viability.