Direct-Maternal Genetic Parameters for Litter Size and Body Weight of Piglets of a New Black Breed for the Taiwan Black Hog Market.

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of litter size and piglet weight from farrowing to weaning in KHAPS Black sows. The genetic parameters investigated were the direct (h), maternal (h), realized (h), and total (h) heritability, as well as correlations (r, r, and r) within and between traits. The analyses were performed using single- and three-trait animal models with and without maternal genetic effects.