Selection indexes applied to productivity in Large White sows

Abstract

Number of stillborn, litter size (TL) and weight (PL) at birth (0), at 21 days of age (21) and weaning (d) of 801 births of 255 Large White sows, bred in sub-tropical conditions, were analysed through the least squares procedure. Combining these traits, six selection indexes were proposed. These indexes had their correlations with breeding value (aggregate genotype) ranging from 0.46 to 1.04. The expected genetic gains were estimated and their values do not recommend the utilization of these indexes. Further studies with larger samples or the total population are suggested to find most applicable indexes.