Information on the Inherited Traits of Pigs

Pigs--like all animals--have traits that are inherited and traits that are learned.

Genetics is the study of inherited traits. All animals inherit traits from their parents and pigs are no different. Not all traits of pigs are inherited; however, those that are can be controlled through breeding. For example, if growth rate is inherited, then breeding two pigs with high growth rates will produce offspring with high growth rates.

Traits

Genetic diseases can be prevented in offspring.

Many traits in pigs are inherited such as a cleft palate. It has been determined that cleft palate is carried by a recessive gene. That means that both the mother and father have to carry the gene for their offspring to develop the condition. By identifying pigs with the recessive gene, breeding two pigs with the gene can be avoided.

Stress

Porcine Stress Syndrome is an inherited trait.

Stress is an inherited trait in pigs that can make the pig more likely to suffer from stress death caused by heat or long trips in a vehicle. According to an article about using genetics to improve the herd, the Queensland Government in Australia listed the gene halothane as being responsible for stress suspectibility in pigs. The Pig Site uses the term Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS). PSS is carried by a recessive gene, affects pigs with heavier muscles, and causes the meat of the pig to be dark, firm and dry.

Growth Rate

Farmers want pigs who grow fast and big.

The Queensland's Government report on improving the herd through genetics speaks in terms of economically important traits. One such trait is the growth rate. Each pig has some positive genes which increase growth and some negative genes which decrease growth. The key to improving the herd is to identify those pigs who have more postive genes than negative, and then use them in selective breeding to improve the growth rate of the herd.

Congenital Defects

Pig farmers can combat congenital defects in their herd with selective breeding.

Congenital defects in pigs normally appear at birth. An article in Pig Progress details the many reasons for the defects which include inherited traits.These defects include hernias, tremors and skin conditions. Identification of the defects that are hereditary is important for the pork producer, who can then use selective breeding to eliminate the traits from future offspring.

Disease-Resistant

Pigs will never fly but they may become disease-resistant through inherited traits.

Pigs can inherit traits that cause diseases and traits that make them resistant to certain diseases or conditions. For example, pigs have been identified that are immune from bacterial diarrhea. That is obviously a desirable trait for pig producers. According to an article in the National Hog Farmer, pork producers are striving for a disease-resistant pig.

References

• Queensland Government: Using Genetics To Improve Your Herd
• Pig Progress: Congenital Defects
• National Hog Farmer: In Search of Disease-Resistant Pigs
• The Pig Site: Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS)