Genetic validation of postmixing skin injuries in pigs as an indicator of aggressiveness and the relationship with injuries under more stable social conditions.

摘要: The objective of the study was to estimate genetic correlations between skin lesions and aggressive behavior postmixing under more stable social conditions as a potential means selecting against pig aggressiveness. Postmixing aggression in commercial production is common, compromises welfare profitability, cannot be significantly reduced by low-cost changes environment. A component individual aggressiveness has been described pigs other species. Selective breeding ought possible if an easily measured indicator trait can shown genetically associated with behavior. Aggressive recorded continuously for 24 h after mixing, count (lesion count, LC) at 3 wk on 1,663 pigs. Two behavioral traits were found have moderate high heritability similar that growth traits; duration involvement reciprocal fighting (0.43 +/- 0.04) delivery nonreciprocal (NRA; 0.31 0.04), whereas receipt NRA had lower (0.08 0.03). Genetic (r(g)) suggested anterior region body mixing (r(g) = 0.67 0.70 0.11), lesser extent, 0.06). Lesions center rear primarily 0.80 0.05, 0.79 0.05). indicated engaged delivered animals 0.84 but less likely receive themselves -0.41 0.14). merit index using one those or both second should allow selection involved NRA. Positive LC found, especially body, indicating are predictive received group conditions. As well reducing immediate expected long-term impact injuries from aggression, even dominance relationships established.