**6. Conclusion**

Andaman wild and Nicobari pig are not differed significantly in their MCV, however, both these pigs were had significantly higher MCV than in Andaman local pig as well as LWY in Andaman and Nicobar Islands [31]. Higher values of MCV in wild pigs impute an enhanced need for oxygen [33]. Nicobari pigs are too growing in open grazing or free range systems; which also fast running animal. The increased

haematological and biochemical values may be affected by a wide range of factors, including environment, season, diet, age and stress [32]. Whereas, MCH of Nicobari pig was found significantly higher in comparison to all the other pig breeds, the value was lowest in LWY. However, MCHC did not show significant differences within the pig breeds. Wild pig of Andaman is well adapted anatomically and physiologically in the humid tropical climate of Andaman and Nicobar

The blood leukocyte indices revealed that the WBC was significantly higher in Andaman wild pig in comparison to Nicobari pigs and was lowest in LWY. Similarly lymphocyte concentration was significantly lower in LWY than in all the other pig breeds; however, there was non-significant difference between the Andaman wild pig, Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A significantly higher monocyte was found in LWY as compared to all the other pig breeds. Wild pig of Andaman had lower neutrophils significantly as

compared to other all pig breeds available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands; LWY has highest value. Eosinophil was highest in Andaman wild pig followed by Andaman local pig, Nicobari pig and LWY. No significant differences were found in basophils among all the pig breeds studied. The neutrophil and lymphocyte ratio was lowest in Andaman wild pig and was highest in LWY. The MCV of Andaman wild pig was also significantly higher in comparison to Andaman local

Blood thrombocytic values in Andaman wild pigs revealed that no significant (p < 0.05) difference was found in PLT between Andaman wild pig and LWY but the values were significantly higher in comparison to Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig. MPV value of LWY was significantly lower in comparison to all the other pig breeds studied. PCT of Andaman wild pig was significantly higher than Nicobari pig and LWY but did not differ significantly with Andaman local pig.

The reports on Andaman wild pigs revealed that based on the physical appearance, phenotypic characters and haematological profiles, these pigs are native to these islands and are well adapted to this island ecosystem over the centuries. Extensive survey on population status and studies on characterisation (*in situ* and *ex situ*) measures to protect this protected breed and scientific breeding methods

Andaman cross breed is a cross between Large White Yorkshire and Andaman local or Nicobari pig. They are dark brown to slight white with different lines of black colour. This crossbred pigs exhibit high growth rate, fecundity and early maturity. It has high prolificacy (litter size 8–10 nos.), maternal care and the average body weight of matured animal varies from 110 to 125 kg. Moreover, this crossbred is adapted highly to the local tropical humid environmental conditions and also can adjust with locally available feed resources on the different agricultural produces. This is highly suitable for commercial production of swine meat in the

PWD of LWY was lowest among all the breeds [31].

blood profile is due to environmental effect on haematological traits as

*Landraces - Traditional Variety and Natural Breed*

Islands [31].

pig and LWY [31].

should be implemented [22].

**5. Andaman pig crossbred**

island [16].

**222**

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are completely packed with rich biodiversity. Porcine species occupies 27.26% of total livestock in these islands, of which, 70% pork consumption in Nicobar group of islands. There are three different groups of pig groups/breeds in ANI. Andaman Local is in Andaman group of Islands, Nicobari is in Nicobar group of Islands and Andaman wild pig in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Besides, crossbreds of LWY are prevalent in this ANIs. Nicobari pig plays significant roles in custom, festivals and socio-economic status of Nicobari tribes. Andaman local and Nicobari pigs are reared for meat purpose under free range or semi-intensive system. Andaman wild pig is an endangered pig germplasm of ANI. Another pig group is crossbred of LWY with Andaman local or Nicobari pig. This crossbreed exhibits high growth rate, early maturity and fecundity. In addition, it is highly adapted to the local environmental conditions and can be reared with locally available feed resources. This is highly suitable for commercial pork production in ANI. However, these domestic pig breeds need to be protected and be conserved in this Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.
