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Genetic Parameter for Litter Quality Traits
Genetic parameters for litter size, average birth weight and variation of birth weight were estimated from data of 2 dam lines. The number of piglets below 1 kg birth weight were calculated and litters were classified into 4 groups for weight and variation of weight to simulate a scoring system. Heritabilities for litter size, standard deviation of birth weight, number of piglets below 1 kg and score for variation in birth weight range between 8 and 12 percent while the heritabilities for average birth weight and the score for average birth weight are between 19 and 25 percent. Negative genetic correlations between litter size and all litter quality traits are estimated for both lines. The scoring system was implemented under practical production conditions for 14.622 litters and show the same antagonistic relationship between litter size and litter quality traits.
Keywords:
litter size
birth weight
genetic parameter
litter quality
