Genetic parameter estimates for reproductive, growth and longevity traits in Alentejano pigs raised extensively

Abstract Text: Records on about 15000 sows, collected between 2003 and 2011 in the framework of the breeding program of the Alentejana breed of pigs were analyzed, to obtain baseline information on the major reproductive, longevity and growth traits and estimate genetic parameters by univariate mixed model procedures. The observed performances were modest for most traits, even though the variability among animals was large. Heritability estimates were in the order of 0.01 for number of piglets born alive per litter and for farrowing interval, 0.11 for litter weaning weight, 0.16 for total number of farrowings through life, and between 0.36 and 0.46 for age at first farrowing, age at last farrowing and average daily gain from birth to slaughter. Managing the genetic diversity of Alentejano pigs with the goal of reducing inbreeding could be helpful to enhance selection response.

Keywords:

Swine

Heritability

Extensive production