Application of comprehensive integrated indices of breeding boars in DanBred breeding programmes

Breeding programs for pigs involve a comprehensive assessment of productive and reproductive traits in purebred lines through the use of individual breeding indices, which allows for an effective increase in the genetic potential of both crossbred animals for industrial production and subsequent generations of breeding stock. This approach differs from traditional methods that are limited to evaluating individual traits and slow down genetic progress. The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of using an individual integral evaluation of boars and to establish the influence of their age and individual breeding index on reproductive and productive qualities. The study involved 304 Duroc sows, which were inseminated with semen from four boars differing in age, belonging to either the breeding nucleus or the reproductive group, and their comprehensive breeding value index, calculated according to the DanBred system (at least 130 points for the “breeding nucleus” and 105 points for the “reproductive group”). It was found that the individual comprehensive index and age of the boars significantly affected the reproductive performance of the sows. The best results in reproductive indices (sow reproductive quality index – 84.8; viability – 99.1%; reproductive index – 34.8; litter uniformity – 0.90) were obtained from sows inseminated with semen from young boars (12-18 months) with high indices. Older boars or those with lower breeding value indices showed poorer results. It was also established that young boars with high indices demonstrated better semen quality (ejaculate volume – 332.6 ml; concentration – 499.2 million/ml; motility – 8.7 points), although older boars produced more insemination doses per ejaculate (32.8). These findings confirm the feasibility of implementing boar index evaluation technology to improve the efficiency of breeding programs in Ukrainian pig production