Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Production and Reproduction Traits in Korean Landrace and Yorkshire Pigs

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study estimated genetic parameters and genetic trends for production (days to 105 kg, DAYS105; backfat thickness, BFT) and reproductive traits (total number born, TNB; number born alive, NBA) in Korean Landrace and Yorkshire pigs using data collected from 2000 to 2024. Heritabilities for production traits were moderate to high (0.43-0.52), whereas those for reproductive traits were low (0.08-0.12). A negative genetic correlation (-0.15 to -0.18) was observed between DAYS105 and BFT, suggesting a genetic antagonism where selection for faster growth could lead to increased backfat thickness. Analysis of genetic trends over the 25 year period revealed substantial genetic progress, characterized by a continuous reduction in DAYS105 and an increase in litter size traits (TNB and NBA) for both breeds. The Yorkshire population showed higher accuracy in estimated breeding values compared to Landrace, attributed to its larger reference population size. These results highlight the confirmed effectiveness of the national breeding program and suggest the need for a balanced selection index considering unfavorable correlations, as well as the expansion of reference populations for further genetic improvement in maternal pig lines.