Genetic associations between maternal traits and aggressive behaviour in Large White sows

Abstract

The present study examined the possibilities and consequences of selecting pigs for reduced aggression and desirable maternal behaviour. Data were recorded from 798 purebred Large White gilts, with an age of 217 ± 17.7 (mean ± SD) days, which were observed at mixing with unfamiliar conspecifics. The reaction of the sows towards separation from their litter was assessed for 2022 litters from 848 Large White sows. Sows' performance during their time in the farrowing unit was scored based on the traits farrowing behaviour (i.e. need of birth assistance), rearing performance (i.e. litter quality at day 10 postpartum (pp)), usability (i.e. additional labour input during lactation period e.g. for treatments) and udder quality of the sow (i.e. udder attachment). For agonistic behaviour, traits heritabilities of h 2 = 0.11 ± 0.04 to h 2 = 0.28 ± 0.06 were estimated. For the sow's reaction towards separation from her litter low heritabilities were found (h 2 = 0.03 ± 0.03 for separation test on day 1 pp and h 2 = 0.02 ± 0.03 for separation test on day 10 pp). Heritabilities for lactating sow's performance (farrowing behaviour, rearing performance, usability of the sow and udder quality) in the farrowing unit ranged from h 2 = 0.03 ± 0.02 to h 2 = 0.19 ± 0.03. Due to these results it can be assumed that selection for these traits, for example, for udder quality or reduced aggression, is possible. Antagonistic associations were found between separation test on day 1 pp and different measures of aggressiveness (r g = − 0.22 ± 0.26 aggressive attack and r g = − 0.41 ± 0.33 reciprocal fighting). Future studies should determine economic as well as welfare-related values of these traits in order to decide whether selection for these traits will be reasonable.

Sows in mid parity are best foster mothers for the pre- and post-weaning performance of both light and heavy piglets1

“…The significant greater preweaning removal rate as a result of weight loss for H piglets reared by mid parity sows compared with H piglets reared by primiparous and second parity sows may be the result of differences in udder and teat quality. Firstly, udder quality deteriorates with increasing parity (Appel et al, 2016). Multiparous sows (parity ≥ 4) are more at risk for mastitis metritis agalactia, mostly seen in the posterior teat pairs (Baer and Bilkei, 2005), resulting in greater sow removal rates due to udder problems compared with primiparous sows (Engblom et al, 2007) and may result in less functional teats per piglet.…”

Genome-Wide Selection Sweep between Wild and Local Pigs from Europe for the Investigation of the Hereditary Characteristics of Domestication in Sus Scrofa

“…In DPs, they maintain dominance and control over food through various repeated fighting behaviors [59]. The heritability of aggressive behavior at mixing ranges from 0 to 0.44 in weaners, growers, replacement gilts, and mature sows [60][61][62][63][64]. In the study, multiple pathways and related genes related to emotions, such as KIF5C, are mainly present in neuronal cells [65].…”

Advances in understanding the genetics of pig behaviour

“…The authors conclude, "Selection for reduced aggression in group-housed animals seems to be feasible and desirable to improve the welfare of the animals" (Appel et al, 2013). In a later study, Appel et al (2016) followed the gilts until they became sows showing maternal behaviour. The correlations between sows' response when separated from piglets one day after farrowing and aggressive behaviour (attack and fighting) were negative, that is, sows genetically predisposed to be less aggressive were also genetically predisposed to show a strong response in the separation test.…”

“…Gilts genetically predisposed to be less aggressive were genetically predisposed to rear large, homogenous litters. The authors stress that large-scale recording of aggressive behaviour is feasible; less than two minutes per gilt was needed in their study (Appel et al, 2016). Sows' aggressive behaviour at mixing is recorded in nucleus herds by a German breeding organisation and included in the genetic evaluation of their dam line (Hubert Henne, personal communication).…”