Genetic and environmental trends in German swine herdbook populations

Environmental and genetic trends for swine herdbook populations for Germany for the years 1979 to 1987 were estimated using mixed model methodology on test station data. Daily gain (DG), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), lean-to-fat ratio (R) and meat quality (Goefo) were analyzed simultaneously with different incidence matrices. Breed, season and test station were fixed effects; herd, litter and additive genetic effects for sib groups were random effects. Because the relationship data were incomplete, unknown ancestors were assigned to genetic groups. Carcass weight was included as a covariable for R. In DG, FCE and R, season was defined as month of test over all breeds and test stations. On the other hand, season for Goefo was replaced by slaughter location-date interaction. Cumulative genetic responses from the multivariate analysis for the component traits of the aggregate genotype ranged from 22 g to 55 g in DG, -.7 to 3.2 units in Goefo, -.1 to .5 in valuable cuts, and -.04 to -.15 in FCE. Cumulative monetary response over these 9 yr. per pig were $4.3, $3.7, $6.2 and $5.1 for German Landrace, German Large White, Pietrain and German Landrace B. Important environmental trends were found in FCE, Goefo and R. Total genetic improvement amounted to 1.6% of the value of national pork production in Germany during these 9 yr. With incomplete convergence, the genetic response was underestimated and environmental trends were overestimated.