Abstract
Falconer and MacKay (1996) note that the measurement of a trait in two different environments may be considered as two traits rather than one. In this way it is possible, through the calculation of genetic correlations, to estimate to what extent the two measurements under different conditions are in fact the same characteristic and are determined by the same genes. The widespread use of AI in pig production has faltered due to problems with dilution and cryopreservation of semen and yet an industry split, where breeders and nucleus herds use AI extensively but multipliers and commercial producers do not, is becoming apparent. Reproductive traits are increasingly seen as an important component of overall pig production and while the genetic correlation between reproductive and production traits has been explored, little work has focused on the genotype by environment interaction of such fertility traits. The present study reports the genetic relationship of number born alive (NBA) in litters conceived naturally and by AI, and in rate of weaning to first service (WTFS-1).
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