Genetic parameters for reproduction traits in sows of lines selected for growth rate on restricted feeding

Abstract

Genetic parameters for litter traits: total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), average piglet birth weight (ABW) and number of piglets weaned (NW), and for sow traits: mating weight(MW), gestation length (GL) and daily food intake of lactating sows (DFI), were estimated on 913 litter records through the restricted maximum likelihood method using an animal model. Estimates of heritability for most of the traits except for ABW (0.33) and MW (0.32) were Iow, around 0.10.

Genetic correlations of TNB and NBA were positive with NW (0.26 and 0.43) and negative with ABW (-0.13 and -0.11). A combined selection for litter size and birth weight is expected to result in higher number of healthy piglets with high potential for post natal growth. TNB and NBA showed positive genetic correlations with DFI (0.12 to 0.19) but negative correlations with MW and GL (-0.03 to -0.27). Genetic associations of NW with MW and GL or DFI were also negative and positive, respectively.