Evaluation of early growth performance of backcross progenies from crossbred gilts mated with their native parents

The pre weaning growth performance of piglets from four different cross bred dams mated back to their native parents was studied in the Breeding and Research Farm Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. Parameters like body weight, weight gain, feed intake efficiency as well linear measurements length, heart girth height at withers were taken observed for between birth age eight weeks. Results indicated significant differences (P<0.05) main backcross N x (N LR) three other genotypes LW), (LR N) (LW all parameters. mean progenies ranged 1.00±0.60 1.60±5kg while weights 10.5±0.4 16.0±1.0kg respectively. further revealed that correlated responsively with parameters these include length (r=0.858), (r= 0.446) 0.946). Similarly, has a positive correlation 0.477) 0.827) whereas hear positively 0.494). Similar trend obtained regression each on which bodyweight changes depended more (0.86) than (0.45). Judging variations existing among resulting differnt crossbreed pre-weaning performance, maternal rather paternal influences appeared be important traits studied.