Genetic parameters for performance traits recorded in boars and gilts

Abstract

Genetic parameters were estimated for performance traits recorded in 3680 boars and 3893 gilts. Data included Large White and Landrace pigs. Both sexes were raised and performance recorded in the same commercial conditions using electronic feeders in group pens. Heritabilities did not differ between sexes for growth rate and feed intake. However, heritabilities and variance components were lower in boars than in gilts for feed conversion ratio and backfat. Lower means in these traits in boars than in gilts might explain differences in variances. Feed intake was more strongly genetically correlated with growth rate in boars than in gilts. Among the five analysed traits only growth rate during test had a genetic correlation significantly different from one indicating a genotype by sex interaction. Further analysis will evaluate possible genotype by sex by feeding regime interactions using multivariate analyses.