Effect of litter size on pre-pubertal body weight and testicular volume in crossbred boars

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of litter size on pre-pubertal body weight and testicular volume in crossbred (Landrace × Desi) boars. The body weights of the piglets in small litter were significantly higher than large litter, at all age except weaning. At 22 weeks of age, boar reared in small litter was 10 kg heavier than larger litter. The testicular volume was significantly higher in all the piglets of small litter than piglets of larger litter at 18 and 22 weeks. However, at 14 weeks, piglets of small litter showed a tendency of higher testicular volume than the piglets of larger litter size. The results of this study suggest that piglets born and reared with small litter size are beneficial to obtain higher body weight and testicular volume around puberty. This may be helpful in early selection of boars for future use in artificial insemination.