This project evaluated different behavioural tests for their ability
to accurately determine temperament traits related to the stress
response of pigs, and determine: whether these traits are consistent
within individual pigs over time, and if they are heritable. Results
found evidence that supports the use of simple behavioural tests to
distinguish between temperament traits in pigs.
Correlations between the behavioural responses of gilts measured
at two different time points (12 and 18 weeks of age) were evident
in both the 1st generation and in 2nd generation offspring,
indicating consistency of these traits within individual pigs
over time. Temperament classifications of individual pigs were
also correlated to the concentration of saliva cortisol following
handling and following mixing in 1st generation gilts. The analysis
of temperament heritability is ongoing, with the initial results
suggesting that pigs could be selected for reduced stress response.
Further studies with larger numbers of animals would be needed to
determine the full merit of these tests as a selection tool.