Swine

Phenotypic and Genetic Associations of Objectively Evaluated Replacement Female Feet and Leg Joint Conformation at Selection and Post First Parity

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Abstract

Objective evaluation of feet and leg joint conformation is a needed step to improve the repeatability of selection of animals based on proper structure. Objective measurements were taken at the time of selection and during second gestation. Phenotypic and genetic parameter estimates were obtained to better understand the relationship between the measures obtained from objective evaluation. Heritability estimates were low to moderate for all traits measured. Genetic correlations between and within traits at the same time point and between time points were all either small or not different than zero. Low to moderate heritability estimates indicate the ability for these traits to be selected upon effectively. Likewise, low genetic correlations indicate that traits may be selected independent of one another. Therefore, each joint in the objective evaluation can carry its own weight, which will require further investigation beyond the scope of this article.

How to Cite:

Stock, J. D., Calderón Díaz, J. A., Rothschild, M. F., Mote, B. E. & Stalder, K. J., (2018) “Phenotypic and Genetic Associations of Objectively Evaluated Replacement Female Feet and Leg Joint Conformation at Selection and Post First Parity”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 15(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-396