The characteristics and selection methods of reproductive traits of sow

The reproductive performance of sow is an important factor affecting the economic benefits of pig industry, and improvement of reproductive performance is one of the goals for breeders and pork-producers. The reproductive trait of sow is not only a low-heritability trait, but also a sex-limited trait. So the selection effect is not obvious when the traditional selection methods are used. The characteristics, influencing factors, selection methods of porcine reproductive traits were summarized by consulting the relevant literatures and researches. And the advantages and disadvantages of these selection methods were discussed. Genomic selection is the potential selection method to improve porcine reproductive performance.