Estimation of genetic parameters for reproductive traits, production, carcase and meat quality traits in Australian pigs

Abstract

Genetic parameters were estimated for reproduction, production, carcase and meat quality traits using Restricted Maximum Likelihood procedures. Estimates of he&abilities for reproduction traits were low with values from 0.04 to 0.06. Crossfostering will bias estimates of genetic parameters for litter weight at 21 days and should therefore be restricted in a breeding herd when this trait is used in a breeding program. Genetic relationships between reproduction traits and production and carcase traits are favourable with a low to moderate magnitude. Due to the low magnitude of genetic parameters it is not worthwhile in the present situation to incorporate number born alive into a multivariate analysis. However, including litter birth weight and litter weight at 21 days in a multivariate analysis would lead to a more accurate evaluation of these traits.