Genetic parameters for maternal behaviour traits in sows

Data from 32 nucleus and multiplier herds in Germany was used to estimate variance components and breeding values for five maternal behaviour traits in sows. The estimation was performed univariately using an animal threshold model. About 31,000 farrowings recorded from December 2003 until July 2005 were included. The heritability coefficients were 0.07 (0.06) for group behaviour, 0.06 (0.03) for attitude to people, 0.05 (0.01) for maternal ability, 0.03 (0.01) for crushing of piglets and 0.02 (0.02) for savaging of piglets. Additionally, genetic correlations between the behaviour traits and between the behaviour traits and litter size, respectively, were estimated multivariately by REML with a linear model. Low heritability and weak genetic correlation to litter size at birth indicate that it may be difficult to genetically improve the maternal behaviour, and that selection for better mothering ability is not necessarily accompanied by reduced litter size at birth.