HALOTHANE GENE EFFECTS ON REPRODUCTION, PRODUCTION AND ORGAN WEIGHTS IN PIGS

Halothane tests were carried out on 101 litters comprising a total of 858 piglets. Sows with halothane genotypes Nn and NN, and those mated with nn-sire, were compared in terms of their piglet production traits . Growth and carcass traits were also studied on 376 offspring. Offspr ing from heterozygous (Nn) sows were used for organ studies (weights, length of intestine and ulcer score). Halothane-sensitive pigs had a h igher lean percentage and paler meat than pigs heterozygous for the ha lothane gene. Nn-sows had a higher stillborn rate, and tended to produ ce fewer weaned piglets as compared with NN-sows. Litter weights were lower for Nn-sows at 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Weights of liver, kidney, splee n and flare fat were lower for reactors (nn) than for carriers (Nn).