Genetic variation in sows' maternal behaviour, recorded under field conditions

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.

Section: Agonistic Behaviour Traitssupporting

confidence: 53%

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

Appel

Voss²,

Tönepöhl

et al. 2016

“…Despite the highly standardised environment, the estimated heritabilities for the behavioural traits during lactation were in the range given in the literature (Grandinson et al, 2003;Løvendahl et al, 2003;Vangen et al, 2005;Gä de et al, 2008). The number of observed animals is quite large for a behavioural study, since all records were of only 1 year and observed by one person.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Genetic aspects regarding piglet losses and the maternal behaviour of sows. Part 2. Genetic relationship between maternal behaviour in sows and piglet mortality

Hellbrügge

Tölle

Bennewitz

et al. 2008

The aim of the study was to analyse the genetic background of different traits to characterise the maternal behaviour of sows and to evaluate the relationship to different causes of piglet losses -increasing piglet survival due to higher maternal abilities of the sow. A total of 1538 purebred litters from 943 German Landrace sows in the year 2004 were available for data analysis. Around 13 971 individually earmarked piglets were included in the analyses. Maternal abilities were characterised through the sow's reaction to the separation from her litter during the first 24 h after farrowing, and on day 21 of lactation, the reaction towards the playback of a piglet's distress call and the reaction towards an unknown noise (music). In 1220 of these litters, the sows were also scored for aggressiveness in the group when regrouped before entering the farrowing crates. To describe fertility, the number of piglets born alive, stillborn piglets, number of piglets born in total and the individual birth weight were utilised. Different causes of piglet losses were evaluated as binary traits of the dam with survival rate, different definitions for crushing by the sow, being underweight and runts. The heritability for being aggressive in the group was h 2 5 0.32 and for the behaviour traits during lactation, the heritabilities ranged from h 2 5 0.06 to 0.14. The genetic correlations showed that more-reactive sows had fewer piglet losses.

“…A lower flight speed is correlated favourably with growth in both species, and with leanness in cattle but not in pigs. Vangen et al (2005) found moderate heritability (min 5 0; max 5 0.22) for the response of sows to handling during routine management. The restraintback test is commonly used in quail and pigs, although the subsequent tonic immobility induced by release of the animal is an innate anti-predator response in birds only (Gallup and Gordon, 1979).…”

Section: Maternal Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Higher heritability was observed for the reaction of the dam to removal of the newborn and handling by humans in beef cattle (,0.30) than in sows (Grandinson et al, 2003;Hoppe et al, 2008). Maternal ability score during lactation in pigs also shows low heritability (Vangen et al, 2005). Heritability is higher in Herefords than in Angus cows and has been shown to vary with age in that breed (Hoppe et al, 2008).…”

Section: Maternal Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…The intensity of stress is increased with human handling or with disruption of contact with the progeny. Several indications of maternal care after birth have been scored in cows (Grignard, 2001;Phocas et al, 2006) and sows (Vangen et al, 2005), in order to evaluate the behavioural response to acute and chronic social stressors (e.g. birth v. maternal ability during lactation).…”

Section: Maternal Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Genetics of behavioural adaptation of livestock to farming conditions

Canario

Mignon-Grasteau²,

Dupont‐Nivet

et al. 2013

Behavioural adaptation of farm animals to environmental changes contributes to high levels of production under a wide range of farming conditions, from highly controlled indoor systems to harsh outdoor systems. The genetic variation in livestock behaviour is considerable. Animals and genotypes with a larger behavioural capacity for adaptation may cope more readily with varying farming conditions than those with a lower capacity for adaptation. This capacity should be exploited when the aim is to use a limited number of species extensively across the world. The genetics of behavioural traits is understood to some extent, but it is seldom accounted for in breeding programmes. This review summarizes the estimates of genetic parameters for behavioural traits in cattle, pigs, poultry and fish. On the basis of the major studies performed in the last two decades, we focus the review on traits of common interest in the four species. These concern the behavioural responses to both acute and chronic stressors in the physical environment (feed, temperature, etc.) and those in the social environment (other group members, progeny, humans). The genetic strategies used to improve the behavioural capacity for adaptation of animals differ between species. There is a greater emphasis on responses to acute environmental stress in fish and birds, and on responses to chronic social stress in mammals.