Genetics of sow reproduction, including puberty, oestrus, pregnancy, farrowing and lactation

Abstract

The possibility to improve different sow reproduction traits, such as age at puberty, oestrous symptoms, ability to become pregnant, litter size, piglet survival and weight, milk production, maternal behaviour and ability to show oestrus after weaning, are discussed in this review. Relations between different reproduction traits as well as between reproduction and production traits are also described. The current genetic progress in litter size at birth increases the need for a broader breeding program which includes piglet survival and growth. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.