A note on genetic parameters of gilt responses to humans

In this study, a response test towards a stockperson was evaluated for improved maternal behaviour and increased piglet survival. Records were available from 638 German Landrace gilts with 860 observations tested for the response to an observer in the familiar environment of the mating centre. The degree of response was scored in five ordered categories. Fertility information (number of piglets born alive and stillborn) was available from 293 sows. The figures for survival rate and crushing by the sow were used from 2408 piglets. The estimated heritability in the human response test was h2 = 0.09. Gilts which displayed only low response to humans showed fewer stillborn or crushed piglets in their first litter.