The Yucatan miniature pig: characterization and utilization in biomedical research
Panepinto, L.M.; Phillips, R.W.
Laboratory Animal Science 36(4): 344-347
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6764 PMID: 3534436 Document Number: 279090
A colony of Yucatan miniature pigs has been maintained at Colorado State University since 1972. Details are given of the morphology and housing requirements of the breed. Age at sexual maturity is 4-6 months for both sexes, oestrus occurs every 20 days, gestation period is 110-115 days, and litter size averages 6.12+or-1.78. Gilts are generally mated after 6 months of age, at a body weight exceeding 25 kg. Body weight at 1 yr of age averages 49.9 kg for malemale and femalefemale, and full adult size is attained at 20-24 months, when boars average 83+or-12 and sows 70+or-12 kg. Selection for smaller body size has been in progress since 1978; for 3rd-generation selected malemale and femalefemale, body weight averages 54+or-8.4 and 39.4+or-5.6 kg resp. at 12-14 months, with max. weights being attained at 14-16 months. An account is given of the use of Yucatan pigs in biomedical research.