Defining the behaviour of different pig genotypes
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In a student project, complementary to the defining the benefits of new genotypes project, differences in genotype behaviour were studied. The following observations were noted:
- Large white type pigs were consistently found to be the most confident genotype when faced with human contact, being the most willing to approach humans, and easiest to drive through two movement courses constructed to test fear of surroundings. Large White types accrued relatively high numbers of lesions, particularly to the shoulders.
- Conversely, Hampshire type pigs were the shyest genotype, and proved most difficult to manage when driving, due to a lack of willingness to move. They were found to accrue far less lesions post mixing in comparison to the other genotypes, and those lesions found focused on the ears. Hampshire type pigs were difficult to control when loading into weighing apparatus, and hard to contain.
- Pietrain type pigs’ behaviour fell between these two extremes. They tended to bolt away from human contact when being driven, which gave them the quickest time to complete courses, but made management more difficult. They accrued similar numbers of lesions as Large White type pigs and again to the shoulders. They were however difficult to load into weighing apparatus; this improved with the implementation of white painted screens.