Effect of candidate genes for maternal ability on piglet survival and growth

The survival of piglets is one important measure of successful pig production and the sow plays a major role for the survival of piglets. Selection of maternal lines focusses on maternal ability as it is relevant for piglet survival. We found some associations between candidate gene markers and maternal ability traits. But since the associations were not consistent from the first to the second parity, the markers seem to be less valuable for breeding.