Phenotypic and Genotypic Parameters of some Carcass Traits in Swine

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Abstract
Heritability estimates and the genetic and phenotypic correlations among 13 carcass traits were estimated using data from 650 pigs out of 280 dams, 89 sires and seven lines of breeding. The data were collected over a period of five seasons at the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station. Heritability estimates and genetic correlations were calculated from the sire components of variance and covariance. All analyses were done on a within year-season-line of breeding using analysis of variance for a nested classification with unequal number of subclasses. Probe and carcass backfat, carcass length, loin-eye area, lean cut weight, percent lean cuts, ether extract and total moisture were highly heritable (h2≥0.40) while marbling and firmness scores, penetrometer reading and shear value were moderately heritable (0.20⩽h2⩽0.40). Color score was lowly heritable (h2⩽0.20). Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that backfat thickness can be decreased and the amount of lean increased and still have acceptable degree of marbling and firmness through proper selection procedures. The genetic correlations indicated that selection for less backfat thickness would increase percent lean cuts without significant effects on loin-eye area, color and firmness score or total moisture. Selection for larger l. dorsi area would be expected to increase lean cut yields, decrease color score and increase softness. Most of the genetic correlations among quality traits were moderately high and compatible. Selection for marbling would increase ether extract and firmness of the l. dorsi muscle and percent lean cuts. Shear value was not genetically correlated with most traits studied. Probe backfat was more closely related phenotypically with the other traits studied than was carcass backfat. Backfat thickness, carcass length, loin-eye area and firmness of the l. dorsi muscle had significant phenotypic correlations with yield of lean cuts. Marbling score and ether extract were highly correlated with firmness and total moisture. Copyright © 1969. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1969 by American Society of Animal Science

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