Effect of group size on breeding value accuracy in gilts

Urankar, Janja (author), Flisar, Tina (author), Kovač, Milena (author), Malovrh, Špela (author)

The objective of this paper was to analyze the effect of group size on accuracy of breeding value for fattening traits in gilts. The analysis included data from maternal genotypes, which are used in prediction of breeding value. Gilts belonged to four genotypes: Slovenian Landrace - line 11, Slovenian Large White, hybrid 12, and hybrid 21. Contemporary group represented gilts of the same genotype, which were measured at the owner on the same day. In Slovenian Landrace - line 11 one seventh of all gilts were tested in groups with one or two gilts. Less than one fifth of gilts were tested in group with 10 or more. Maximum group size was 38. Group size in Slovenian Large White is smaller due to smaller population. One fifth of all gilts were tested in groups with one or two animals. More than half gilts were tested in groups with three to ten measured gilts. Maximum group size was 12 gilts. In both breeds, proportion of untested animals was around 4%. Size of contemporary group affects the accuracy of the estimated breeding value: accuracy is higher in larger groups and consequently, smaller groups have lower accuracy predictions. Contemporary group have to include at least ten gilts per genotype and similar age. It is important to measure all gilts, including those for which we preliminary assume they will not be selected, because they contribute to accurate PBV. Because only purebred animals accumulate genetic progress, they must get more emphasis.

• Language: English
• Keywords: pigs, gilts, group size, breeding value, accuracy, fattening traits
• Work type: Not categorized
• Typology: 1.08 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution
• Organization: BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Year: 2012
• Number of pages: Str. 187-191
• Numbering: Suppl. 3
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-440
• UDC: 636.4
• ISSN on article: 1854-4800
• COBISS.SI-ID: 3112328
• Publication date in RUL: 11.07.2014

Record is a part of a proceedings

• Title: Livestock production as a technological and social challenge
• COBISS.SI-ID: 263173888

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Acta agriculturae slovenica
• Publisher: Biotehniška fakulteta
• ISSN: 1854-4800
• COBISS.SI-ID: 225696256

Secondary language

• Language: Unknown
• Keywords: prašiči, svinjke, velikost skupine, plemenska vrednost, točnost ocene, klavne lastnosti