Một số đặc điểm sinh học của giống lợn H’Mông
This study investigated the phenotypic characteristics and selected reproductive physiological traits of the H'Mong pig breed using a total of 300 animals, comprising 200 replacement gilts and 100 replacement boars, maintained at the former Yen Bai Provincial Crop and Livestock Breeding Center, currently the Lao Cai Provincial Agricultural Breeding Center, Vietnam. The study was conducted from May 2020 to April 2021. Phenotypic characteristics were assessed by direct observation in accordance with TCVN 11910:2018, combined with teat counting and morphometric measurements obtained using a measuring tape and a measuring stick following the method of Ritchil et al. (2014). The results showed that H'Mong pigs had thick skin and long, dense hair. The predominant coat colours were solid black without white markings (40.67%) and black with white markings on the legs (57.00%). Most pigs exhibited a large, broad head; a moderately long, strong neck without dewlap; a slightly dished face (89.33%); a slightly convex forehead (82.33%); a moderately long snout (85.67%); and erect ears (100%). A medium-sized body conformation was observed in 78.33% of the animals, while 84.33% displayed a hoof-walking gait. The majority had broad shoulders (80.33%), medium-width hips (81.67%), broad hindquarters (82.33%), a long, broad, and straight back (78.67%), moderately developed legs (91.33%), and a lean abdomen (80.67%). The predominant teat numbers were 10 (54.33%) and 12 (43.00%), with symmetrically arranged teats accounting for 98.33% of the population. Mean morphometric measurements were 75.97 cm for body length; 47.89 cm for withers height; 46.78 cm for back height; 24.96 cm for head length; 10.80 cm for head width; 12.60 cm for ear length; and 23.12 cm for tail length. Females exhibited significantly greater morphometric measurements than males (P<0.05). Gilts reached first estrus at 188 days of age with a body weight of 42.43 kg and were first mated at 242.86 days of age with a body weight of 44.72 kg. Boars were first used for semen collection at 167 days of age with a body weight of 43.44 kg. The results showed that the H'Mong pig breed reared at the Lao Cai Provincial Agricultural Breeding Center exhibited stable phenotypic characteristics and possessed the typical breed characteristics. The body measurement traits and teat number were appropriate for reproductive production. Female pigs reached puberty at approximately 188 days of age, while boars were first used for semen collection at approximately 167 days of age, indicating the relatively early reproductive maturity of the breed.
