Economic benefit of additional recording for welfare traits in maternal breeding objectives for pigs

The purpose of this study was to investigate, using selection index calculations, the economic benefits of improving welfare by expanding recording within traditional pig breeding programs to include welfare-related traits. The genetic parameters were adapted from several Australian studies. A basic breeding objective including average daily gain, backfat thickness and number of piglets born alive was extended to include welfare traits and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Welfare traits were: survival of piglets at farrowing (FS) and until weaning (PWS), weaning to conception interval (WCI), sow mature weight (MWT) and sow longevity (LONG). Sow appetite before farrowing (FRBF) and body condition before farrowing (CAL) were considered as additional selection criteria. When welfare traits were absent from the breeding objective and selection criteria, this resulted in reduced LONG, higher MWT, prolonged WCI and overall lower genetic response in the index in comparison with other scenarios. Valuing and recording welfare traits resulted in desirable responses for both production and welfare traits and increased overall economic merit. Including FCR in the breeding objective made it more difficult to improve welfare traits, particularly if FCR was recorded.