The study aimed to highlight the general trend of indigenous Lao pig utilization and the altered reproductive performance with special reference to location and rearing systems. Indigenous pigs are not only important for household consumption, but they also serve as household savings that the households use anytime, i.e. to support their children's education and traditional activity performance. Proper management is needed to improve reproductive performance of indigenous pigs in Laos.

One novel coding SNP was found in exon 1 of pig TMEM95 gene, namely NC_010454.3:g.341T > C, which was significantly associated with testis measurement traits at 15 days of age in the LW population (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant relationship was found between this A47A polymorphism and testis weight at 40 days of age in LW population (p = 0.047). These results could contribute to breeding and genetics programs in the pig industry via DNA marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Single housing with full-time crating is the typical system for keeping suckling sows, but animal welfare is neglected. Short-time crating is an alternative due to animal welfare. The objective was to compare the two systems under practical conditions. Short-time crated gilts did not cause an increased amount of loss of piglets due to crushing, and the daily gain of their piglets was higher. Behavioural observations showed that gilts' welfare was positively influenced by short-time crating.

A comparative life cycle assessment of pork with different feed scenarios substituting soybean products has been performed. Alternative scenarios used legumes, a protein crop mix, and amino acids. Results expressed per kilogram of feed depended greatly on the method used and the impact category considered. The inclusion of land use change increased global warming potential by up to 43 %. Results per kilogram of pork showed the amino acid scenario to have the least overall environmental impacts.