Piglet traits at birth are associated with their survival until weaning

Abstract

Data collected on individual piglets born to primi- and multiparous sows from maternal and terminal lines were averaged by litter and analysed as a trait of the sow. Heritability (h²) estimates of all scored traits were generally low (h²<0.10), with the exception of the incidence for incisor I1 eruption (h²: 0.24). Moderate to high heritabilities were evident for average birth weight and crown to rump length (0.30 and 0.37) but ponderal index was less heritable (h²: 0.07). Phenotypic correlations show that piglets which are heavier, bigger and had incisor eruption (indicating physiological maturity) are less likely to have difficulties in respiration or thermoregulation at birth, and are more likely to survive until weaning. Whilst, incisor eruption shows some potential as a possible selection criterion for breeding programs, more data is required to improve the accuracy of parameter estimates.