[Preliminary communication. Applicability of the Welsh breed in Dutch pig breeding]

An experimental cross-breeding scheme using Welsh Pigs in the 'Gemert District' integrated group is described in this preliminary communication. This experiment was carried out to examine whether it would be possible to produce F1 sows (Welsh x Dutch Landrace), the longevity of which was superior to that of the current Great Yorkshire (GY) crossed with the Dutch Landrace (NL) when the Welsh breed was used, unaccompanied by any loss of performance among the offspring. F1 animals having Welsh blood included a larger proportion of halothane-positive pigs than did the GY x NL cross-bred animals. In addition, animals crossed with those of the Welsh breed showed increased back-fat depth. However, this would appear to be of minor importance as these F1 animals, mated with GY boars, produced fattening piglets, the carcass qualities of which were equivalent to those GY x (GY x NL) animals. The growth rates of animals having Welsh blood would seem to be even more satisfactory. A definite conclusion regarding longevity cannot be reached at this stage as the findings concerning the majority of animals were recorded up to and including the third litter. The studies are being continued in order ultimately to arrive at more definite and more justified conclusions.