Fertility of hybrid sows inseminated with east Balkan boar semen: a step towards developing a new hybrid

The present study aims to evaluate the fertility and reproductive performance of hybrid sows inseminated with semen from East Balkan boar (EBS), as part of an experimental artificial insemination program. A total of 472 hybrid sows were inseminated with semen from 10 EBS boars, and their reproductive traits were analyzed. The conception rate was high (92%), exceeding the average values for industrial pig farming (85%), indicating satisfactory reproductive performance following the use of East Balkan boar semen. The average litter size was 12.3 piglets, of which 9.6 were live-born and 2.5 were stillborn. Seasonality affected both litter size and piglet survival, with summer farrowings producing higher litters but also higher neonatal mortality. Differences among individual boars were observed, with some demonstrating superior reproductive performance. The results provide information on reproductive outcome following the use of East Balkan boars in hybrid sow insemination. Keywords: sow fertility, boar influence, autochthonous breed, artificial insemination, swine hybridization