Genetic parameters of pre-weaning weights in crossbred piglets using multi-trait animal model.

Variances and genetic parameters (heritability and correlation) were estimated for pre-weaning weights from birth to 6 weeks of age at weekly intervals in crossbred (Landrace X Desi) pigs. Data were analysed using multi-trait animal model incorporating dam's age (covariable), parity of sow, sex of piglet, season of birth and year of birth as fixed effects and direct additive genetic, maternal genetic and permanent litter as random effects. The estimates of direct additive genetic and maternal genetic heritability were 0.