Abstract
Single trait mixed models have been dominantly utilized for genetic evaluation of the reproductive traits in swine. However employing multiple trait approach may lead to more accurate genetic evaluations. For 5 litter size and litter weight traits of Danish Landrace, genetic parameters were estimated with a multiple trait mixed model. The heritability estimates were 0.02, 0.03, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07, respectively for litter size at birth, litter size born alive, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning, and litter weight at weaning. Negative genetic correlations were all positive. The litter weight at birth showed genetic antagonism with litter size born alive (-0.65) and litter size at weaning (-0.31), but positive with litter size at birth (0.47) and litter weight at weaning (0.31). The estimates of environmental correlations were larger than their corresponding genetic correlation estimates except for those between litter weight at birth and the other four traits. This study recommends simultaneous selection for two or more traits with multivariate mixed models in order to improve overall economic response.