Effects of heterozygosity on performance of purebred and crossbred pigs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In pigs, crossbreeding aims at exploiting heterosis, but heterosis is difficult to quantify. Heterozygosity at genetic markers is easier to measure and could potentially be used as an indicator of heterosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of heterozygosity on various maternal and production traits in purebred and crossbred pigs. The proportion of heterozygosity at genetic markers across the genome for each individual was included in the prediction model as a fixed regression across or within breeds.

Results

Estimates of regression coefficients of heterozygosity showed large effects for some traits. For maternal traits, regression coefficient estimates were always in a favourable direction, while for production, meat and slaughter quality

SUBMITTER: Iversen MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6396501 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature