Genetic association between sow longevity and social genetic effects on growth in pigs

Abstract

Objective Sow longevity is important for efficient and profitable pig farming. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in social genetic effect (SGE) of pigs on stress-tolerance and behavior. The present study aimed to estimate genetic correlations among average daily gain (ADG), stayability (STAY), and number of piglets born alive at the first parity (NBA1) in Korean Yorkshire pigs, using a model including SGE. Methods The phenotypic records of ADG and reproductive traits of 33,120 and 11,654 pigs, respectively, were evaluated. The variances and (co) variances of the studied traits were estimated by a multi-trait animal model applying the Bayesian with linear-threshold models using Gibbs sampling. Results The direct and SGEs on ADG had a significantly negative (−0.30) and neutral (0.04) genetic relationship with STAY, respectively. In addition, the genetic correlation between the social effects on ADG and NBA1 tended to be positive (0.27), unlike the direct effects (−0.04). The genetic correlation of the total effect on ADG with that of STAY was negative (−0.23) but non-significant, owing to the social effect. Conclusion These results suggested that total genetic effect on growth in the SGE model might reduce the negative effect on sow longevity because of the growth potential of pigs. We recommend including social effects as selection criteria in breeding programs to obtain satisfactory genetic changes in both growth and longevity.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Body Length, Body Height, and Total Teat Number in Large White Pigs

“…However, body length and other morphological characteristics often affect the value of the animal when purchasing a sow. Besides, the growth potential of pigs has a negative effect on the longevity of sows ( Hong et al, 2019 ). A large body length, flat rib shape, narrow body width, and upright leg posture might be adverse features for sow longevity ( Nikkila et al, 2013 ).…”

Genetic analysis for sow stayability at different parities in purebred Landrace and Large White pigs

“…Previous studies have consistently estimated the heritability of purebred sow stayability to be low by using linear model (Aasmundstad et al, 2014;Le et al, 2016;L opez-Serrano et al, 2000;Poulsen et al, 2020;Tholen et al, 1996) and threshold model (Hong et al, 2019;Le et al, 2016). Aasmundstad model as macro-environment effects.…”

“…Genetic parameter estimation for stayability, which is defined as a binary trait relating to survivability in a given environment and is treated as an indicator trait for longevity, has been widely conducted in pigs (Aasmundstad et al, 2014 ; Abell et al, 2016 ; Hong et al, 2019 ; Le et al, 2016 ; López‐Serrano et al, 2000 ; Poulsen et al, 2020 ; Serenius et al, 2006 ; Tholen et al, 1996 ), dairy cattle (e.g., Abe et al, 2020 ; Bijma & Jensen, 1996 ; VanRaden et al, 2016 ), beef cattle (e.g., Fennewald et al, 2018 ; Martinez et al, 2005 ; Silva et al, 2003 ), horses (e.g., Albertsdóttir et al, 2012 ; Bugislaus et al, 2005 ; Langlois & Vrijenhoek, 2004 ), sheep (Lee et al, 2015 ; McIntyre et al, 2012 ), and goats (Scholtens et al, 2018 ). In pigs, genetic parameters for sow stayability from first parity to a particular time, especially second parity, have been estimated, and threshold model analyses have been performed (Abell et al, 2016 ; Hong et al, 2019 ; Le et al, 2016 ). Genetic correlations of sow stayability with production traits, exterior and leg conformations, lameness, farrowing interval, days open, and NBA at first parity have been also studied (Hong et al, 2019 ; Le et al, 2016 ; López‐Serrano et al, 2000 ; Tholen et al, 1996 ).…”

“…In pigs, genetic parameters for sow stayability from first parity to a particular time, especially second parity, have been estimated, and threshold model analyses have been performed (Abell et al, 2016 ; Hong et al, 2019 ; Le et al, 2016 ). Genetic correlations of sow stayability with production traits, exterior and leg conformations, lameness, farrowing interval, days open, and NBA at first parity have been also studied (Hong et al, 2019 ; Le et al, 2016 ; López‐Serrano et al, 2000 ; Tholen et al, 1996 ). On the other hand, no study has estimated genetic correlations with number stillborn (NSB), survival rate of piglets at birth (SVB), total litter weight at birth (LWB), and mean litter weight at birth (MWB).…”

“…Genetic correlations of sow stayability with production traits, exterior and leg conformations, lameness, farrowing interval, days open, and NBA at first parity have been also studied (Hong et al, 2019;Le et al, 2016;L opez-Serrano et al, 2000;Tholen et al, 1996). On the other hand, no study has estimated genetic correlations with number stillborn (NSB), survival rate of piglets at birth (SVB), total litter weight at birth (LWB), and mean litter weight at birth (MWB).…”