6.4.1 – Genetics for piglet survival

Selective breeding for piglet survival in indoor system was implemented with a specific focus on maternal behavior of Large White G1 and G2 sows selected for high piglet survival, and on the relationships with litter survival until weaning. Sows were kept in individual pen and approximately half of them temporary crated around farrowing according to a cross design of generation and housing condition at farrowing. Sow behavior was also considered for the choice of future breeders, to promote positive behavior towards piglets, according to sow performance (low crushing of piglets) and maternal attitude, assessed from observations on farm from entrance into the farrowing unit until 24h after farrowing.

Presentations

• Improving piglet survival under organic condition – 31st European congress of AI VETS – Poitiers – 20-22 October 2021
• Large White genetics in organic system: breeding for piglet survival – 74^th EAAP Annual meeting – Lyon – 5-9 September 2023
• Improve sow welfare and piglet survival through selective breeding and innovation within farrowing house design for outdoor rearing – PPILOW Final Conference – Brussels – 12-13 June 2024
• Breeding for a better survival of piglets in organic farming: consequences on maternal cortisol and neonate metabolic status – 9^th International Conference on the Welfare Assessment of Animals at Farm Level (WAFL) – Firenze – 29-30 August 2024