Genetic analysis of reproductive performance in sows during porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) outbreaks

BACKGROUND: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most infectious swine diseases in the world, resulting in over 600 million dollars of economic loss in the USA alone. More recently, the USA swine industry has been having additional major economic losses due to the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED). However, information regarding the amount of genetic variation for response to diseases in reproductive sows is still very limited. The objectives of this study were to identify periods of infection with of PRRS virus (PRRSV) and/or PED virus (PEDV), and to estimate the impact their impact on the phenotypic and genetic reproductive performance of commercial sows. RESULTS: Disease (PRRS or PED) was significant (P < 0.05) for all traits analyzed except for total piglets born. Heritability estimates for traits during Clean (without any disease), PRRS, and PED ranged from 0.01 (number of mummies; Clean and PED) to 0.41 (abortion; PED). Genetic correlations between traits within disease statuses ranged from −0.99 (proportion born dead with number weaned; PRRS) to 0.99 (number born dead with born alive; Clean). Within trait, between disease statuses, estimates ranged from − 0.17 (number weaned between PRRS and PED) to 0.99 (abortion between Clean and PRRS). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that selection for improved performance during PRRS and PED in commercial sows is possible and would not negatively impact performance in Clean environments.