Ovulation, Prenatal Mortality and Litter Size in Swine

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Abstract
Ovulation, prenatal mortality and litter size were observed for 87 sows, representing five breeding groups, that had previously farrowed two litters. Heritabilities and correlations arising from additively genetic sources, common litter environment and residual environment were computed. The number of live fetuses was 59% of the number of corpora lutea and dead fetuses accounted for 5%. Repeatability of litter size was .15 between first and second litters, .10 between second and third litters and −.06 between first and third litters. Heritability of litter size was 0, 8 and 5% for first, second and third litters, respectively. Heritability of corpora lutea count was 10%. Genetic and environmental correlations are summarized. None of the genetic parameters are statistically significant. Copyright © . .