The main objective of this research was to evaluate behavioural differences between pigs of Large White (LW) and Landrace (LD) breeds. As far as the breed factor was concerned, more predicted correlations were found in LW than in LD pigs (e.g. exploring and standing time in novel object test). With respect to productivity, tonic immobility (TI) individuals of both breeds showed higher growth rates than non-TI individuals (e.g. mean daily growth of 1168.77 g vs. 1112.14 g, P < 0.05, respectively, in LW pigs). Correlations between the TI test and the other behavioural tests suggested the existence of behavioural differences between LW and LD pigs. These probably related to differences in robustness between the two breeds, which would potentially explain the stronger correlations for LW pigs.

For more information the full article can be found at http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/applan/issues