Estimates of repeatability for body weight and conformation traits in three breeds of grower pigs

Abstract

The aims of the study were to provide estimate of repeatability on the body weight and body traits of the three genotype of grower pigs. Data on 30 growing pigs comprising of three strains, landrace, large white and Duroc of the same age were used to estimate the repeatability ® of body weight (BDW), and linear body traits measured from 2-8 weeks of growth and development. The linear body traits measured was: Head length (HDL), Body length (BDL), body girth (BDG), Ham length (HML), Ear length (ERL) and Neck circumference (NCG). Repeatability estimate for body weight of the three strains were relatively high (0.62, 0.71 and 0.64) for landrace, large white and duroc respectively at 8 weeks of growth. The repeatability values ranged from low to high for other linear body traits (0.2 – 0.52) in the three strains of pigs at early stage of growth. The high repeatability estimates noted for most of the traits imply possible high expected genetic response from inherent transmitting ability of the pigs of traits with moderate's repeatability and the low repeatability estimates recorded for some other traits imply that collection of additional records and improvement of non-genetic factors influencing performance will improve these traits. The three genotype of pigs although were better in terms of development performance, but additional measurements and improvement of non-genetic factors influencing repeatability traits will be needed to realize expected respond from selection.