Behavioral genetics in pigs and relations to welfare

Research in behavioral genetics is important for pig welfare. Consequences of the ongoing selection for high production on pigs’ behavior need to be studied, as well as possibilities to select directly for behavioral traits. The Farm Animal Welfare Council’s definition of welfare is based on five freedoms related to hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury or disease, fear and distress, and normal behavior. All these freedoms are associated with pig behavior. Pig breeding programs could be further developed by including behavioral traits relevant for welfare.