Preweaning body weights in Large White Yorkshire Crosses

The body weights of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) crosses (50 and 75 per cent) were analysed at weekly intervals from birth to weaning. The overall birth weight was 1.16 ± 0.01 kg. The 75 per cent LWY cross had significantly (P < 0.01) higher birth weight than 50 per cent cross. The mean body weights at first, second and fourth weeks and at weaning were 1.79 ± 0.03, 2.50 ± 0.04, 4.08 ± 0.08 and 7.82 ± 0.20 kg respectively. Both the crosses grew similarly from first week to seventh week while the 75 per cent LWY cross weighed higher at weaning. The influence of sex was not significant on preweaning body weights of piglets except on first week body weight where the males were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than females.