ESTIMATION OF GENETIC-PARAMETERS FOR THE SIRE LINES PIETRAIN AND BELGIAN LANDRACE BELONGING TO THE SWINE HERDBOOK OF SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

Variance components were estimated for fattening performance and carca ss value traits of Pietrain and Belgian Landrace pigs. In total 5902 a nimals were analysed that have been fattened at the progeny test stati on at Achterwehr during the years 1986 to 1994. The heritability estim ate for the fattening performance traits daily gain and feed consumpti on was h(2) = 0.27. Also for area of m. longissimus dorsi and carcass length the heritability estimates of h(2) = 0.48 and h(2) = 0.44 were found to be at a similar level. For lean meat content and pH(1) in m. longissimus dorsi the estimated heritabilities were h(2) = 0.35 and 0. 20, respectively. The standard errors of the estimated heritabilities were low and varied between s(h2) = 0.03 and s(h2) = 0.08. The highest genetic correlation was found for area of longissimus dorsi and lean meat content with r(a) = 0.88. Fattening performance traits daily gain and feed intake showed a correlation of r(a) = 0.68. Feed intake had negative genetic correlations of r(a) = -0.58 and -0.40 to lean meat c ontent and area of m. longissimus dorsi. Also carcass length was negat ively correlated to both traits, the correlations were r(a) = -0.38 un d -0.37, respectively. PH1 did not show important phenotypic as well a s genetic correlations to fattening performance and carcass value trai ts.