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Conference abstract2016

Effects of oxytocin genes on maternal behavior in sows

Jonas, Elisabeth; Rydhmer, Lotta

Abstract

The project we are working on is based on two hypotheses: there is a variation between Swedish Yorkshire sows in oxytocin genes, and some alleles in these genes have favourable effects on maternal behaviour. The hormone oxytocin affects maternal behaviour. But the hormone level in blood fluctuates, and regular sampling is needed to investigate oxytocin. However, blood sampling, also using a fixed cannula, might alter the behaviour. Here, we focus on candidate genes for oxytocin and sow behaviour instead of measuring oxytocin levels. The experiment is ongoing at the Swedish Livestock Research Centre Lövsta (SLU) using purebred Yorkshire sows. Husbandry and management follow the routines of the farm (one sow with litter per pen, straw, no crates, cross fostering avoided). Behavioural observations are performed by the staff during the routine work, and cameras are installed above the pens. Sow body weight and body condition during lactation and piglet weight are recorded regularly. The behaviour is recorded using cameras and with a questionnaire answered by the staff at day 1 and day 21 on 100 sows. Behavioural records include nest building, sows' carefulness and reaction towards their piglets, anxiety, fear of humans, aggression and nursing. Blood samples were collected from all potential breeding sows and used for DNA extraction. Nine genes related to maternal behaviour and the regulation of oxytocin were identified in the literature: Fosb and Peg3 on chromosome (SSC) 6, CD38 on SSC8, AVPR1B and Grb10 on SSC9, Oxyr on SSC13, Oxy and AVP on SSC17 and Mest on SSC18. One or two fragments from each gene were sequenced to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). These SNP and some known genetic markers located close to the genes were used to genotype 181 sows. Genotyping was done by the MAF laboratory at the Karolinska Institute. Thirty-one out of 45 markers segregated in the population, i.e. there was genetic variation between sows in all candidate genes. We are currently analysing the associations between markers (alleles) and behavioural traits as well as traits related to piglet survival and growth, and sows' use of body reserves during lactation. We will continue with more detailed information from the camera recordings on sows with interesting alleles. Preliminary results from 68 sows show that there is phenotypic variation between sows with regard to nest building, being careful with the new-born piglets, anxiety and reaction to the piglets when returning from weighing, whereas most sows showed no aggression towards piglets or humans. Aggression towards humans and anxiety tend to be repeated from day 1 to day 21.

Published in

DCA rapport
2016, number: 070, pages: 12-12
Title: Nordic ISAE 2016. Proceedings of the 26th Nordic Regional Symposium of the International Society for Applied Ethology
ISBN: 978-87-93398-15-3
Publisher: DCA - Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture

Conference

The 26th Nordic Regional Symposium of the International Society for Applied Ethology-Nordic ISAE