Genetic background of maternal behaviour and its relation to offspring survival

Maternal behaviour is becoming increasingly important in animal production. Selection for increased litter size at birth in pigs and sheep puts higher demands on the ability of dams to raise large litters. In pig production, the use of loose housing systems for lactating sows increases the importance of good maternal behaviour. Extensive production systems (e.g., ecological farming and outdoor production), where there is a small degree of supervision of the animals, also leaves a greater responsibility with the mother to care for her young. The environment provided by the dam is important for the survival and growth of the offspring in many species. Several behaviour traits of the mother play a role for the offspring's chances of survival and a good start in life. Examples of such behaviour traits are responsiveness towards signals from the offspring (pigs), aggressive behaviour towards the offspring (pigs and sheep), nursing behaviour (pigs and sheep), and fear behaviour (pigs, sheep, and cattle). Some of these traits are in part genetically controlled, and thus possible to improve by selection. Behaviour traits are, however, often difficult to observe and record on a large scale. By studying behaviour, we can gain further understanding about factors affecting survival of the young, and increase our chances to improve maternal behaviour. Improved maternal behaviour would increase the welfare for both mother and young.