Avoiding in-breeding

[Tim McLoughlin]

Hi, if possible I'd like some advice about what to do with my pigs after I hopefully have our first litters in the Spring of this year. I keep two breeds of pigs; four kunekunes (one sow, one boar and two castrates) and four Meishan pigs (three sows and one boar). We only keep them as pets and want to breed happy and healthy pigs to sell as pets, show or breeding stock in the future.

My question is this; after any first litters from the boar should we then introduce an outcross into the next generation either as a new boar to the gilts that are born or a new unrelated sow back to our original boar. The same is also true of the Meishan pigs and critical as they are still quite scarce in the UK.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Tim

[The Rushbury Pig]

Hi Tim,

I completely missed this post at the time, my apologies.

The Year Book is just about to come out and will be posted to all members. This has some very useful information in it that will help. We have also introduced an area on the website where you can calculate COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) for prospective pairings. We have added a 'traffic light system' to help alert members to what is good/bad. Have a read of all this and come back to me if you need further advice - samjonesbkkps@aol.com

[simon]

http://www.britishkunekunesociety.org.u ... s/breeding

[repatexpat]

Your new feature is terrific, Simon. Glad that I have just a few numbers of females and possible males to play with as it's seductive!

[Angkhana]

Thanks very much to be useful.