Crossbreeding effects and genetic parameters on piglet survival from three Iberian strains

Abstract Text: Data from a 3 × 3 full diallelic cross experiment with three contemporary Iberian pig strains were used to study the genetic parameters and crossbreeding effects affecting piglet survival. The data set compromised 11,150 records of individual piglet mortality until weaning collected from 1,127 litters during 2010-2013. The three strains and their reciprocal crosses were represented in data set. The genetic analysis was performed using a Bayesian threshold model with three categories (survive until weaning, dead before weaning, stillbirth). Results showed a substantial genetic variability at the piglet and maternal level with heritabilities of 0.09 and 0.08, respectively. Crossbreeding parameters revealed important differences between lines for piglet survival. A positive heterosis was estimated for all crosses. The most outstanding example was the cross between Entrepelado and Torbiscal with a reduction of 5% and 8% on stillbirth and pre-weaning mortality, respectively.

Keywords:

Piglet survival

Iberian pig

Genetics

Threshold model