Analysis of progeny testing of Al-boars in TOP-Genetic programmes

A total of 9 data sets from so called TOP-Genetic programmes were analysed. Three of these data sets were suitable for a genetic analysis because the sex code of all animals with net daily gain, FOM meat percentage, carcass w eight and muscle depth and backfat were available. Concerning the distribut ion of boars over herd-season classes all data sets show a good structure. For all traits, except for net daily gain, large differences between castra tes and sows were observed, which were very similar over all data sets. The carcass weight showed a significant effect on muscle depth and on backfat. Because of very similar regression coefficients for all data sets, a pread justment of these traits on a constant carcass weight seems to be feasible. Between the different lines there are differences especially for the genet ic correlation between net daily gain and FOM meat percentage observed, whi ch leads to the conclusion to use different parameters for lines. Between FOM meat percentage and backfat for all lines a very high genetic c orrelation is estimated, so an additional use of backfat in the model is no t of great value. Between FOM meat percentage and muscle depth a medium gen etic correlation is estimated for all data sets. Although there are high se xual differences observed the omission of the sex in the model has no influ ence on the ranking of boars for this data structure. As a minimum requirement for TOP-Genetic programmes each boar should be mat ed to 8 to 10 sows to guarantee an adequate accuracy of breeding values and a good distribution of boars over herd-season classes. The access of the s ex of all animals should be aimed at to avoid biased breeding values in cas e of unbalanced sex ratios for boars.