Improvements of Reproduction and Growth Performance in Pig Farming

Dear Colleagues,

Pig breeding is going through some challenges associated with intensive production, which is related to the production of feedstuff and issues of pig welfare or health, both in terms of sow breeding and pig fattening. Human work is continuing to decrease, while various minimalizing technologies and robotization are being applied. At the same time, in many countries local pig breeds are entering the field of pork production, reaching satisfying productive parameters with the potential to supplement the demand for pork meat. It needs to be emphasized that the global consumption and popularity of pork are high, which enhances the demands on the reproductive potential of sows and, at the same time, on the growth of pigs, while maintaining low feed consumption. Reproductive as well as productive performance are closely related to the genetic foundations of pigs, hybridization, housing systems, and varying feeding strategies.

This Special Issue is focused on factors that affect the reproductive and productive performances of pigs, including meat quality, such as productive strategies of farms in both conventional and organic production, the application of innovative feeding strategies, housing systems respecting the welfare of pigs, and the utilization of various breeds as well as hybrids, in a broad context, providing knowledge from different countries.

Dr. Pavel Nevrkla
Dr. Eva Weisbauerova
Guest Editors

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