Genetic Parameters of Various Backfat Measurements of the Hungarian Large White Pig evaluated Within and Across Sexes

Genetic parameters for various backfat measurements (BF1FT, Backfat shoulder measured at the field test; BF2FT, Backfat mid-back measured at the field test; BF3FT, Backfat loin measured at the field test; BF1ST, Backfat shoulder measured at the station test; BF2ST, Backfat mid-back measured at the station test; BF3ST, Backfat loin measured at the station test) were estimated. The analysis was based on the national database of the field and station tests, using various types of animal models in Hungarian Large White (LW), breed between May 1996 and February 2001 within and across sexes (females, males, castrates). Heritability for BFFT traits ranged between 0.150.35, but higher estimates were observed in field traits (0.41-0.75). Genetic correlations were generally positive among all fat depth measurements but station traits showed stronger genetic correlations (0.76-0.88) than field traits (0.24-0.67).The genetic correlation estimates between field and station traits ranged between 0.09-0.40.