True or False: Carcass traits are more highly heritable than reproductive traits.

Carcass traits are generally more highly heritable than reproductive traits in swine. This means that the genetic contribution to traits like meat quality, backfat thickness, and muscle thickness is stronger compared to traits related to reproduction, such as litter size or farrowing rate.

The heritability of a trait indicates how much of the variation in that trait can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals. Carcass traits are often more easily measured and selected for because they are typically evaluated after slaughter, allowing clear assessments of genetic merit. In contrast, reproductive traits can be influenced by environmental factors and management practices, making them more complex and often resulting in lower heritability.

This concept has significant implications for breeding programs, as focusing on traits with higher heritability can lead to more drastic improvements in those characteristics over generations. Thus, stating that carcass traits are more highly heritable than reproductive traits is accurate and reflects the underlying genetic dynamics in swine production.