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Hukkinen VM, Munsterhjelm C, Kurtti M, Immonen N, Valros A. Impact of farrowing system and prepartum nest-building material on nest-building behaviour and farrowing in sows. Animal 2024; 18:101183. [PMID: 38848617 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Farrowing crates are widely used as the main housing system for farrowing and lactating sows on commercial farms although they have a negative impact on sow welfare and behaviour. One of the main reasons for using farrowing crates is to reduce piglet mortality during farrowing and lactation. We compared the effects of temporary crating (TC) versus free farrowing (FF) with different nest-building materials on production and welfare measures. Sows were investigated using a 2 × 3 factorial design. Sows were allocated to two farrowing treatments: FF sows were not crated around farrowing, and TC sows were crated from 2 days before expected farrowing until 3 days after farrowing, when the crate was opened. In both farrowing treatments, the nest-building material was given from 7 days prior to farrowing as follows: (1) 1 L of straw twice per day, (2) 1 sheet of newspaper twice per day or (3) fastened jute fabric to the farrowing crate. The study consisted of two parts; part 1 included a total of 87 sows for data on piglet mortality and growth, and part 2 included data on nest-building and farrowing behaviour from a subset of these sows (n = 34). Farrowing treatment affected piglet mortality; FF sows had a lower number of stillborn piglets than TC sows (P = 0.04), but the number of crushed piglets was higher (P < 0.01). Nest-building material tended to have an impact on total number of crushed piglets (P = 0.08) and piglets that died during 3 days of lactation (P = 0.09). Litter growth was better in the FF group than in the TC group from piglet age of 1 day to 3 weeks (P = 0.04). Overall, little nest-building-related behaviour occurred, probably due to the small amount of nest-building material. The usability of the nest-building material varied with farrowing treatment; FF sows used newspaper most for nest-building, while TC sows used straw and jute fabric (P = 0.01). There were no differences in the piglet birth intervals or the farrowing duration. In conclusion, free farrowing can have positive effects on piglet growth but negative effects on piglet survival in early lactation. Different nest-building materials have different effects depending on the type of farrowing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Hukkinen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - C Munsterhjelm
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Kurtti
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - N Immonen
- A-Tuottajat Ltd., PL 910, Atria 60061, Finland
| | - A Valros
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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Zeng F, Zhang S. Impacts of sow behaviour on reproductive performance: current understanding. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2023.2185624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Zeng
- Guangzhou Zoo & Guangzhou Wildlife Research Center, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Sows’ pre- and post-crate opening behaviour in farrowing pens with different opening times. Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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Girardie O, Bonneau M, Billon Y, Bailly J, David I, Canario L. Analysis of image-based sow activity patterns reveals several associations with piglet survival and early growth. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1051284. [PMID: 36699323 PMCID: PMC9868430 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1051284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
An activity pattern describes variations in activities over time. The objectives of this study are to automatically predict sow activity from computer vision over 11 days peripartum and estimate how sow behavior influences piglet's performance during early lactation. The analysis of video images used the convolutional neural network (CNN) YOLO for sow detection and posture classification of 21 Large White and 22 Meishan primiparous sows housed in individual farrowing pens. A longitudinal analysis and a clustering method were combined to identify groups of sows with a similar activity pattern. Traits under study are as follows: (i) the distribution of time spent daily in different postures and (ii) different activities while standing. Six postures were included along with three classes of standing activities, i.e., eating, drinking, and other, which can be in motion or not and root-pawing or not. They correspond to a postural budget and a standing-activity budget. Groups of sows with similar changes in their budget over the period (D-3 to D-1; D0 and D1-D7) were identified with the k-means clustering method. Next, behavioral traits (time spent daily in each posture, frequency of postural changes) were used as explanatory variables in the Cox proportional hazards model for survival and in the linear model for growth. Piglet survival was influenced by sow behavior on D-1 and during the period D1-D7. Piglets born from sows that were standing and doing an activity other than drinking and eating on D-1 had a 26% lower risk of dying than other piglets. Those born from sows that changed posture more frequently on D1-D7 had a 44% lower risk of dying. The number of postural changes, which illustrate sow restlessness, influenced piglet growth in the three periods. The average daily gain of piglets born from sows that were more restless on D1-D7 and that changed posture more frequently to hide their udder on D0 decreased by 22 and 45 g/d, respectively. Conversely, those born from sows that changed posture more frequently to hide their udder during the period of D1-D7 grew faster (+71 g/d) than the other piglets. Sow restlessness at different time periods influenced piglet performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Girardie
- UMR1388 GenPhySE, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, INPT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | | | | | - Ingrid David
- UMR1388 GenPhySE, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, INPT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Laurianne Canario
- UMR1388 GenPhySE, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, INPT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
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Behavioural characteristics of fatal piglet crushing events under outdoor conditions. Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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6
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Liu T, Kong N, Liu Z, Xi L, Hui X, Ma W, Li X, Cheng P, Ji Z, Yang Z, Yang X. New insights into factors affecting piglet crushing and anti-crushing techniques. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Animal Welfare Compromises Associated with Causes of Death in Neonatal Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212933. [PMID: 36359057 PMCID: PMC9658477 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The pre-weaning piglet mortality percentage is a commonly reported metric on commercial pig farms. The mortality percentage tells us how many piglets died, but not what their welfare status was as it relates to their cause of death. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the likely experience of piglets that died, following confirmation of the cause of death via postmortem investigation. The Five Domains Model was then used to collate scientific evidence of the likely experience of these piglets before death from acute disease, starvation, crushing, savaging and euthanasia, to understand the impact of different causes on their welfare. The resulting findings raised the question of differentiating ‘smothering’ as a cause of death from ‘crushing,’, and that co-morbidities (such as hypothermia) may alter the welfare experience due to their influence on consciousness before death. Abstract This pilot study aimed to assess the welfare impacts of different causes of pre-weaning deaths in piglets. Piglets that died between 0–7 days after birth (n = 106) were collected from two commercial pig farms and subject to post-mortem examination to confirm their cause of death as well as any contributing factors. Using the Five Domains Model, the most likely affective experiences associated with the pathological findings were carefully inferred to better understand affective experience as it related to known causes of liveborn piglet mortality. The most common causes of liveborn piglet mortality were starvation (23%), crushing (23%) and non-viable (21%). Thirty one piglets had evidence of starvation, but it was only considered the primary cause of death in 15 piglets, as cofactors such as poor viability (n = 13) were also present in many piglets with evidence of starvation. All 15 piglets that were crushed died within 24 h after birth and most had evidence of thoracic and/or abdominal internal bleeding. This study found that common causes of liveborn piglet death were associated with compromises in Domains 1 (Nutrition/hydration), 3 (Health/function), and4 (Behavioural interactions), with the most likely resulting affective states described in Domain 5 (Mental state). This highlights the interaction between physical/functional and situation-related (behavioural) aspects that influence an animals’ welfare status.
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Skovbo DKF, Hales J, Kristensen AR, Moustsen VA. Comparison of management strategies for confinement of sows around farrowing in Sow Welfare And Piglet protection pens. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt G, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Edwards S, Ivanova S, Leeb C, Wechsler B, Fabris C, Lima E, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Spoolder H. Welfare of pigs on farm. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07421. [PMID: 36034323 PMCID: PMC9405538 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of pigs on farm, and is based on literature and expert opinion. All pig categories were assessed: gilts and dry sows, farrowing and lactating sows, suckling piglets, weaners, rearing pigs and boars. The most relevant husbandry systems used in Europe are described. For each system, highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, as well as related animal-based measures (ABMs), and hazards leading to the welfare consequences. Moreover, measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate the welfare consequences are recommended. Recommendations are also provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of pigs related to tail biting and related to the European Citizen's Initiative 'End the Cage Age'. For example, the AHAW Panel recommends how to mitigate group stress when dry sows and gilts are grouped immediately after weaning or in early pregnancy. Results of a comparative qualitative assessment suggested that long-stemmed or long-cut straw, hay or haylage is the most suitable material for nest-building. A period of time will be needed for staff and animals to adapt to housing lactating sows and their piglets in farrowing pens (as opposed to crates) before achieving stable welfare outcomes. The panel recommends a minimum available space to the lactating sow to ensure piglet welfare (measured by live-born piglet mortality). Among the main risk factors for tail biting are space allowance, types of flooring, air quality, health status and diet composition, while weaning age was not associated directly with tail biting in later life. The relationship between the availability of space and growth rate, lying behaviour and tail biting in rearing pigs is quantified and presented. Finally, the panel suggests a set of ABMs to use at slaughter for monitoring on-farm welfare of cull sows and rearing pigs.
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Cheon SN, Jeong SH, Yoo GZ, Lim SJ, Kim CH, Jang GW, Jeon JH. Effect of alternative farrowing pens with temporary crating on the performance of lactating sows and their litters. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:574-587. [PMID: 35709104 PMCID: PMC9184708 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to development the alternative farrowing pen (AFP) and
to investigate performance and behavior of lactating sows and their litter. A
total of 64 multiparous sows were randomly divided into two groups and were
allocated to farrowing crates (FCs) and AFPs. The AFPs contained a crate and
support bars that could be folded to provide the sows with extra space on day 5
postpartum. Behavior was recorded by charge-coupled device cameras and digital
video recorders, and the data were scanned every 2 min to obtain an
instantaneous behavioral sample. Farrowing systems did not affect feed intake,
back-fat thickness, litter size and piglet weight at birth and weaning
(p > 0.05). In addition, there were no differences in
the number of crushed piglets between the two farrowing systems
(p > 0.05). However, the weaning-to-estrus interval was
shorter in the sows of the AFPs than in thous of the FCs (p
< 0.05). The sows spent most of their time lying down during the lactating
period, at about 80% lateral recumbency and 10%–15% ventral recumbency.
The only significant differences were in the feeding and drinking behavior
between sows in the two farrowing systems (p < 0.05). The FC
sows displayed more feeding and drinking behavior than the AFP sows, especially
in the late lactating period (p < 0.05). Piglets in the FCs
tended to spend more time walking than piglets in the AFPs (p
< 0.05), whereas there were no differences in suckling and lying behavior
between piglets in the two farrowing systems (p > 0.05). It
is concluded that the AFPs with temporary crating until day 4 postpartum did not
negatively affect performance and crushed piglet compared with the FCs. It also
may improve animal welfare by allowing sows to move and turn around during the
lactating period. Further research is needed to find suitable housing designs to
enhance productivity and animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Nae Cheon
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
- Department of Animal Science, Gyeongsang
National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - So Hee Jeong
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Guem Zoo Yoo
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
- Department of Animal Science, Jeonbuk
National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Se Jin Lim
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Chan Ho Kim
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Gul Won Jang
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Jeon
- Animal Welfare Research Team, National
Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Agriculture,
Wanju 55365, Korea
- Corresponding author: Jung Hwan Jeon, Animal
Welfare Research Team, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Agriculture, Wanju 55365, Korea., Tel: +82-63-238-7051, E-mail:
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11
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The Effect of Lift Crates on Piglet Survival Rate and Sow Stress Level during Farrowing. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060745. [PMID: 35327142 PMCID: PMC8944724 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of lift farrowing crates on piglet mortality by crushing and on sow welfare. Eighty-four sows were considered in the one-year experiment in three monitoring sessions. In each session, 14 sows were housed in a room with conventional crates (CC), and 14 sows were lodged in a room equipped with lift crates (LC). The sows, of the same genetics, with parity ranging from 2 to 9, were randomly distributed in CC and LC rooms. No primiparous sows were considered in the study to avoid sows unexperienced with the dynamics of lift crates. The numbers of crushed piglets, assessed by the farm’s veterinarian, within 48 h, 72 h, and at weaning (28th day), were recorded. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was measured upon entry and exit from farrowing to evaluate stress level variation. Feet diseases and backfat thickness were evaluated to assess sows’ potential diseases induced by lift crates and metabolic problems. The results show that the number of crushed piglets per sow was higher in the CC rooms than in the LC rooms in the first two days after delivery (0.39 vs. 0.15, p < 0.05) and up to weaning (0.50 vs. 0.37; p < 0.05). Mean values of HCC variation in sows during farrowing were significantly different in the two housing systems and higher for the LC sows (0.53 pg/mg vs. 0.22 pg/mg; p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected for backfat variation and feet disease scoring between LC and CC sows. In conclusion, LC sows evidenced an increase in hair cortisol values during farrowing, probably caused by a higher stress status induced by the lift crate, along with the benefit of the higher survival rate of piglets before weaning.
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Neu J, Göres N, Kecman J, Voß B, Rosner F, Swalve HH, Kemper N. Behavioral Observation Procedures and Tests to Characterize the Suitability of Sows for Loose-Housed Farrowing Systems. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092547. [PMID: 34573512 PMCID: PMC8466909 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study, different behavior tests were developed and applied to characterize the behavior of sows against humans and piglets in systems with short-term fixation only. In loose-housed sows, it is of extreme importance that the sows neither attack the stockpersons nor crush their piglets through carelessness. Selecting the sows for the respective traits might show positive effects in a successful realization of these husbandry systems. For example, the Dummy Arm Test simulated catching the piglets. In the Towel Test, the general reaction to unknown stress situations was tested by throwing a towel towards the sow during a resting phase. Another test simulated the emptying of the trough to simulate interaction with humans during a routine procedure. The study showed that the majority of the sows reacted calmly. Nesting and lying behavior were also analyzed, as was the behavior of sows when their litters returned after a short separation. This study showed that the behavioral observation procedures and designed tests are suitable to characterize sows’ behavior towards humans and piglets with regard to traits that are particularly important in systems without fixation. Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate behavioral observation procedures and tests to characterize sows’ behavior for their suitability for free farrowing systems. Nest building activity (NB), lying-down behavior (LDB), and position after lying down (PLD) were assessed. Four tests were designed to characterize the reaction of sows to a novel object and an unexpected situation (Towel Test, TT), behavior towards humans (Dummy Arm Test, DAT; Trough Cleaning Test, TCT), and behavior towards piglets (Reunion Test, RT). The study was performed on a nucleus farm in 37 batches including 771 purebred landrace sows housed in farrowing pens with short-term fixation. The assessment of NB started 2 days before the expected date of the farrowing. In 56.2% of the observations, the sows showed increased chewing activity on gunnysacks. The LDB and PLD were assessed on days 3 and 19 post partum (p.p.). In 49.1% of the observations, sows showed careful lying-down behavior. In 50.1% of cases, sows preferred the stomach-teats-position when lying down. With the DAT on day 4 p.p., in 89.3% of observations, no or only slight reactions of the sow were documented. The TT and TCT were performed on days 3 and 10 p.p. Strong defensive reactions of animals towards humans were recorded in 4.5% of the observations in the TT, and in 4.0% of the observations in the TCT. In the RT on day 3 p.p., in 61.8%, a joyful response of the sows to the reunion with their piglets was observed. This study showed that the behavioral observation procedures and designed tests are suitable to characterize sows’ behavior towards humans and piglets with regard to traits that are particularly important in systems without fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Neu
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (J.N.); (N.G.)
| | - Nina Göres
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (J.N.); (N.G.)
| | - Jelena Kecman
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, 06120 Halle, Germany; (J.K.); (F.R.); (H.H.S.)
| | - Barbara Voß
- BHZP GmbH, An der Wassermühle 8, 21368 Dahlenburg, Germany;
| | - Frank Rosner
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, 06120 Halle, Germany; (J.K.); (F.R.); (H.H.S.)
| | - Hermann H. Swalve
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, 06120 Halle, Germany; (J.K.); (F.R.); (H.H.S.)
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (J.N.); (N.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Huang X, Yan H, Wang T, Li K, Guo Y, Wang Z, Di S, Wang X, Cui S. Effects of the maternal behavioral characteristics of lying down on piglet crushing in Minpig and Yorkshire sows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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The effect of hessian and straw as nesting materials on sow behaviour and piglet survival and growth to weaning. Animal 2021; 15:100273. [PMID: 34171569 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sows are strongly driven to build a nest prior to farrowing, and the performance of this behaviour is linked to the environment in which the animal is housed. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of two nest-building materials, hessian and straw, on peri-parturient sow behaviour, plasma cortisol concentration and piglet survival and performance in farrowing crates. In the first experiment, sows (parity 1.7 ± 0.1) were allocated to four treatments: (n = 15), straw provided in the lead up to farrowing in an open farrowing pen, with the pen closed after farrowing (STRAW OPEN); (n = 14), straw provided in the lead up to farrowing in a closed farrowing pen (STRAW CLOSED); (n = 15), a closed farrowing pen with hessian sacks provided in the lead up to farrowing (HESSIAN) and; (n = 13), a closed farrowing pen with no nesting materials provided (CONTROL). A second experiment was performed on a separate farm to assess the effect of the same four treatments were applied to sows (parity 2.9 ± 0.1): SRAW OPEN (n = 68), STRAW CLOSED (n = 64), HESSIAN (n = 66) and CONTROL (n = 66), at a commercial level. The first experiment revealed that providing conventionally housed sows with straw or hessian in the lead up to parturition stimulated sows to perform nest-building behaviours similar to sows housed in an open pen with access to straw (nosing events; 16 ± 11 (CONTROL); 169 ± 36 (HESSIAN); 118 ± 29 (STRAW CLOSED); 199 ± 53 (STRAW OPEN); P < 0.05). Additionally, crated sows provided with straw had reduced cortisol levels immediately after farrowing compared to all other treatments (21.9 ± 6.1 ng/ml vs CONTROL; 49.3 ± 8.6 ng/ml; P < 0.01). Piglets born to STRAW CLOSED sows displayed the highest colostrum intake levels (404.8 ± 22.7 g vs CONTROL 361.9 ± 21.9 g; P < 0.01). The second experiment demonstrated a reduced incidence of piglet mortality both prior to fostering (0.7 ± 0.2; P = 0.001) and after fostering (0.7 ± 0.2; P = 0.001) in litters born to sows which were housed in conventional farrowing crates and provided with straw compared to CONTROL (prior to fostering 1.3 ± 0.2, and postfostering 1.1 ± 0.2). In conclusion, straw and hessian sacks are a suitable substrate for stimulating sows to exhibit nest-building behaviour under crated conditions. However, only the provision of straw in the crate environment improved piglet survival and positively affected sow welfare.
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16
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Peltoniemi O, Yun J, Björkman S, Han T. Coping with large litters: the management of neonatal piglets and sow reproduction. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 63:1-15. [PMID: 33987579 PMCID: PMC7882835 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As a result of intensive breeding, litter size has considerably increased in pig production over the last three decades. This has resulted in an increase in farrowing complications. Prolonged farrowing will shorten the window for suckling colostrum and reduce the chances for high-quality colostrum intake. Studies also agree that increasing litter sizes concomitantly resulted in decreased piglet birth weight and increased within-litter birth weight variations. Birth weight, however, is one of the critical factors affecting the prognosis of colostrum intake, and piglet growth, welfare, and survival. Litters of uneven birth weight distribution will suffer and lead to increased piglet mortality before weaning. The proper management is key to handle the situation. Feeding strategies before farrowing, management routines during parturition (e.g., drying and moving piglets to the udder and cross-fostering) and feeding an energy source to piglets after birth may be beneficial management tools with large litters. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-driven recovery from energy losses during lactation appears critical for supporting follicle development, the viability of oocytes and embryos, and, eventually, litter uniformity. This paper explores certain management routines for neonatal piglets that can lead to the optimization of their colostrum intake and thereby their survival in large litters. In addition, this paper reviews the evidence concerning nutritional factors, particularly lactation feeding that may reduce the loss of sow body reserves, affecting the growth of the next oocyte generation. In conclusion, decreasing birth weight and compromised immunity are subjects warranting investigation in the search for novel management tools. Furthermore, to increase litter uniformity, more focus should be placed on nutritional factors that affect IGF-1-driven follicle development before ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli Peltoniemi
- Department of Production Animal Medicine,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki,
Saarentaus 04920, Finland
| | - Jinhyeon Yun
- Department of Animal Science, College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University,
Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Stefan Björkman
- Department of Production Animal Medicine,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki,
Saarentaus 04920, Finland
| | - Taehee Han
- Department of Production Animal Medicine,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki,
Saarentaus 04920, Finland
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17
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Illmann G, Goumon S, Chaloupková H. Assessment of lying down behaviour in temporarily crated lactating sows. Animal 2020; 15:100130. [PMID: 33573954 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporary crating may be a more acceptable housing system for lactating sows than permanent crating from an animal welfare point of view. It remains unclear whether opening the crate leads to changes in sow lying down behaviour and piglet activity that may pose an increased risk of injury to piglets. This study aimed to assess whether the lying down behaviour of lactating sows housed in temporary crating changed shortly after removal of confinement, whether it was influenced by piglets' behaviour and age and whether sows preferentially used some support during lying down after crate opening. Sows (n = 13) were crated from 5 days pre partum to 3 days post partum. Their behaviours were recorded on video over a 24-h period both preceding and following crate opening, as well as over a 24-h period on day 25. The following behaviours were analysed: position and activity of the piglets when the sow lie down, duration of the lying down events, use of pen walls or crate bars as support when lying down; and position of the sow in the pen when lying down. Piglet mortality was assessed every day. Data were analysed in SAS using GLM. The duration of lying down events did not differ between the 24-h periods before and after opening the crate but increased on day 25 (P < 0.01). Similarly, the percentage of piglets in the danger zone did not differ between the 24-h periods before and after opening the crate, but increased on day 25 (P < 0.0001). The percentage of piglets in the creep area increased temporarily the day after the crate opening (P < 0.0001). Sows frequently utilised support when lying down, but less over the 24-h period after the crate opening compared to the two other periods (P < 0.001). A higher percentage of piglets in the creep area resulted in longer lying down events where the sow's snout was in contact with piglets located in the creep area (P < 0.05). The present study shows that opening the crate does have an immediate impact on lying down behaviour and piglet behaviour, but it does not pose an increased risk to piglets. Our results also indicate that piglet behaviour changed with age and influenced sow lying down behaviour. Finally, our findings further suggest that some available lying down support may be a very important feature of the pen during the whole lactation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Illmann
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815, 104 00 Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 160 21 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic.
| | - S Goumon
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Přátelství 815, 104 00 Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic; ETH Zürich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätstrasse, 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - H Chaloupková
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 160 21 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
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18
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Schild SLA, Baxter EM, Pedersen LJ. A review of neonatal mortality in outdoor organic production and possibilities to increase piglet survival. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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19
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Equipping Farrowing Pens with Straw Improves Maternal Behavior and Physiology of Min-Pig Hybrid Sows. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010105. [PMID: 31936338 PMCID: PMC7022457 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study used different sow breeds combined with an enriched environment to relieve stress and to improve the welfare level of sows. Both groups of sows were in loose-housed pens. Sows living in a barren environment (BE) without straw were compared with sows in farrowing crates that received 3.5 kg of straw daily (enriched environment (EE)). Compared with BE sows, EE sows showed more nest-building behavior prior to farrowing, more nursing behavior, and less ventral recumbency behavior during the first three days postpartum. Furthermore, compared with BE sows, EE sows tended to have higher concentrations of serum oxytocin and prolactin, while the concentration of cortisol was lower, suggesting an increase in maternal behavior and a reduction of stress in this group. In addition, the concentration of oxytocin and both the frequency and duration of prepartum nest-building behavior were higher in Duroc × Min and Landrace × Min sows compared with Landrace × Yorkshire sows. However, the concentration of prolactin was significantly lower in both Duroc × Min and Landrace × Min sows than in Landrace × Yorkshire sows, indicating that hybrid sows of Min-pig inherited good maternal characteristics. Based on these results, straw enrichment improved Min-pig hybrid sow welfare during farrowing and lactation. Abstract This study investigated the effects of two factors, enriched environment (EE) and different crossbreeds, on the maternal behavior and physiology of Min-pig hybrid sows. The analysis was performed on a total of 72 multiparous sows, including Duroc × Min pig (DM), Landrace × Min pig (LM), and Landrace × Yorkshire (LY) sows, using a total of 24 sows per cross. The sows were housed in two different farrowing pens, one with straw (EE) and one without straw (barren environment (BE)). The results showed that nest-building behavior, including the frequency, total duration, and bout duration, was significantly higher in EE sows than in BE sows (p < 0.01). The frequency and duration of prepartum nest-building behavior were higher in DM and LM sows than in LY sows (p < 0.0001). During the first three days postpartum, EE sows spent a shorter time in ventral recumbency compared with BE sows (p < 0.05). The oxytocin (p < 0.05) and prolactin (p < 0.01) concentrations of EE sows were significantly higher than in BE sows; however, the concentration of cortisol followed the opposite (p < 0.01). The concentration of oxytocin was significantly higher in DM and LM sows than in LY sows (p < 0.01). In conclusion, both EE increased the expression of hormones related to parental behaviors and prenatal nesting and nursing behavior of sows. Furthermore, an EE can also reduce stress in sows. Min-pig hybrids may inherit highly advantageous characteristics of maternal behavior of Min-pig sows.
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Nicolaisen T, Lühken E, Volkmann N, Rohn K, Kemper N, Fels M. The Effect of Sows' and Piglets' Behaviour on Piglet Crushing Patterns in Two Different Farrowing Pen Systems. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080538. [PMID: 31394892 PMCID: PMC6719171 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Farrowing crates—narrow cages where sows are kept during lactation—impede the sow in the expression of natural behaviours and, therefore, cause animal welfare concerns. However, piglet losses due to crushing by the sow are effectively reduced by farrowing crates. Hence, there is an urgent need to find a practical compromise between sows’ and piglets’ welfare. The aim of this study was to test two farrowing pens without fixation of the sow in comparison to pens with a farrowing crate. Piglet mortality, piglet crushing and sow and piglet behaviour in the first 72 h after birth were analysed. Piglet mortality was higher due to increased levels of piglet crushing in the free-farrowing pens. However, the majority of crushing occurred in the first three days after birth. The recorded active and resting behaviour of sows in the first 72 h after birth hardly highlighted differences between the three systems, i.e., sows in free-farrowing pens hardly used the offered possibilities for activity in the first 72 h after birth. In conclusion, our results suggest that a temporary fixation for a few days after birth could be sufficient to significantly reduce piglet crushing and could represent a practical solution for future farrowing systems. Abstract Pens with farrowing crate (FC) and two differently designed free-farrowing pens (LH-pens: 7.3 m², plastic flooring; GH-pens: 5 m², cast-iron and concrete flooring) were compared regarding piglet losses and postpartum sow behaviour (all treatments) and reasons for piglet crushing and postpartum litter behaviour (LH and GH). One-hundred-and-three crushing events were analysed in eight batches concerning sows’ posture changes that crushed piglets and age of crushed piglets. Posture change frequency, amounts of single posture changes and total time spent in different body postures were evaluated for 41 sows (14 FC-sows, 13 LH-sows and 14 GH-sows) in six batches. Litter behaviour (location, active/inactive scoring, resting behaviour next to the sow) was analysed during sows’ posture changes and piglet crushing. Piglet mortality was higher in LH (25.6%) and GH (19.9%) compared to FC (12.3%) due to higher levels of piglet crushing. Most crushing occurred during the three days postpartum in LH (92.7%) and GH (83.9%). However, crushing patterns differed between LH (rolling: 68.2%; sit-to-lie: 18.2%; stand-to-lie: 11.4%) and GH (rolling: 38.2%; sit-to-lie: 30.9%; stand-to-lie: 16.4%) and varying piglet behaviour may be the cause for this. The postpartum period was characterized by inactivity of the sow and behavioural differences were rarely seen between systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thies Nicolaisen
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Eyke Lühken
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Volkmann
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michaela Fels
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
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21
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Schild SL, Rangstrup-Christensen L, Thorsen C, Bonde M, Pedersen L. The course of parturition in two sow genotypes and two hut designs under free-range conditions. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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22
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Goumon S, Leszkowová I, Šimecková M, Illmann G. Sow stress levels and behavior and piglet performances in farrowing crates and farrowing pens with temporary crating. J Anim Sci 2019; 96:4571-4578. [PMID: 30102369 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Farrowing pens with temporary crating have been developed as a compromise between conventional farrowing crates and pens to better accommodate the welfare of both sow and piglets during lactation. However, not much is known about the behavioral and physiological consequences of early removal of confinement on the sow and piglets during lactation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects on sow and piglet performance of temporary crating until 3-d postpartum at 2 times points, immediately after confinement removal and 25 d into lactation. Sows were crated from 5-d prepartum either to weaning (permanently crated-PC group; N =14) or to D3 (83.0 ± 1.3 h) postpartum (Temporarily crated - TC group N = 13). Sow postural changes, activity, cortisol and IgA concentrations, and piglet body weight gain and behavior were assessed on D4 and on D25 postpartum, whereas piglet mortality was assessed throughout lactation. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM and PROC GENMOD of SAS. On D4 postfarrowing, TC sows were more active (10.9% vs. 7.1%; SEM: 0.8; P = 0.002), rolled more frequently (21.3% vs. 14.4%; SEM: 1.6; P = 0.008), and had lower IgA concentrations (139.7 vs. 75.2 µg/mL; SEM: 20.3; P = 0.040) than PC sows. No effects of housing were found (P > 0.05) on standing-to-lying movement or cortisol concentrations. No differences for any variables were found (P > 0.05) on D25. Mortality, body weights, and activity levels at the udder or in the pen of pigs born to PC sows did not differ (P > 0.05) from those of piglets born to TC sows on D4 nor on D25. This study indicates that removal of confinement on the 4th-d postpartum may have had small short-term positive effects on sow behavior and stress levels (as measured by IgA), and that it did not impair piglets' behavior and performance during lactation. Therefore, this work suggests that temporary crating limited to the first 3-d postpartum might be a feasible alternative to improve welfare under intensive production conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Goumon
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhrineves, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Leszkowová
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhrineves, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Šimecková
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhrineves, Czech Republic
| | - Gudrun Illmann
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhřiněves, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
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Grimberg-Henrici C, Büttner K, Lohmeier R, Burfeind O, Krieter J. The effect of group-housing with free-farrowing pens on reproductive traits and the behaviour of low-risk and high-risk crushing sows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Ocepek M, Andersen IL. Sow communication with piglets while being active is a good predictor of maternal skills, piglet survival and litter quality in three different breeds of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206128. [PMID: 30427860 PMCID: PMC6235262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal care behaviour is crucial for offspring quality and survival in pigs. Defining care is therefore essential for ensuring the welfare of pigs and sustainability of pig production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between sow nest building, communication with piglets (sniffing, nudging, grunting) during resting and activity, and piglet survival in three different sow breeds: a maternal line selected for high weaned pig production (Landrace), a paternal line selected for meat traits (Duroc), and a crossbred line (Landrace and Yorkshire). We predicted that a higher frequency of nest building and sow communication would have a positive impact on piglet survival. Secondly, we predicted that a high level of maternal care outside the time of nursing (nest building and communication) would increase the quality of the litter (weight at weaning). We also predicted that nest building activity and sow communication would be more pronounced in maternal sow lines selected for maternal traits than in a non-selected, paternal line, and that primiparous sows would perform more nest building behaviour and communicate more than multiparous sows due to high investment in their first litter. Finally, an impaired condition around farrowing (i.e. low body condition score and presence of shoulder lesions) was predicted to be negatively correlated to care behaviours. Data was collected on 38 sows with 511 born piglets. Sows with their litters, were loose-housed in individual farrowing pens until weaning. Nest building activity can be partly considered as maternal care behaviour as it prepares the sows for motherhood and is associated with a lower proportion of stillborn piglets (P < 0.001), starved piglets (P = 0.004), and overlaid piglets (P = 0.034). As predicted, sows that communicated more while being active had lower postnatal piglet mortality (starvation (P < 0.001), less overlying (P < 0.001), overlying with (P < 0.001), and without the milk in the stomach (P < 0.001) and fewer that died of other causes (P < 0.001), higher piglet survival (P < 0.001) and litter weight (P < 0.001) at weaning irrespective of the breed. A higher level of communication while active was associated with more pronounced shoulder lesions in sows (P = 0.010), suggesting a positive association between good maternal care and prevalence of shoulder lesions. We also found that resting sows that communicated more with piglets outside the time of nursing, had higher postnatal piglet mortality (P < 0.001) due to starvation (P < 0.001), overlying (P < 0.001), overlying with (P < 0.001), or without milk (P < 0.001). Communication during resting was more pronounced with increasing litter size at birth (P < 0.001), especially for thin sows (P < 0.001). Communication during resting was more pronounced in the non-selected Duroc line (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that sow communication while being active is a good predictor of good maternal care, piglet survival and litter quality in three different breeds of domestic pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Ocepek
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Akershus, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Inger Lise Andersen
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Akershus, Norway
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King RL, Baxter EM, Matheson SM, Edwards SA. Sow free farrowing behaviour: Experiential, seasonal and individual variation. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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26
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Factors affecting piglet mortality during the first 24 h after the onset of parturition in large litters: effects of farrowing housing on behaviour of postpartum sows. Animal 2018; 13:1045-1053. [PMID: 30324901 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118002549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the factors that affect immediate (within 24 h after farrowing onset) postnatal piglet mortality in litters with hyperprolific sows, and investigate their associations with behaviour of postpartum sows in two different farrowing housing systems. A total of 30 sows were housed in: (1) CRATE (n=15): the farrowing crate closed (0.80×2.20 m) within a pen (2.50×1.70 m), and (2) OPEN (n=15): the farrowing crate open (0.80×2.20×1.80 m) within a pen (2.50×2.40 m) with a provision of 20 ls of hay in a rack. A total of 518 live born piglets, produced from the 30 sows, were used for data analyses during the first 24 h after the onset of parturition (T24). Behavioural observations of the sows were assessed via video analyses during T24. Total and crushed piglet mortality rates were higher in OPEN compared with CRATE (P<0.01, for both). During T24, the OPEN sows tended to show higher frequency of postural changes (P=0.07) and duration of standing (P=0.10), and showed higher frequencies of bar-biting (P<0.05) and piglet trapping (P<0.01), when compared with the CRATE sows. During T24, the mortality rates caused by crushing were correlated with the piglet trapping event (r=0.93, P<0.0001), postural changes (r=0.37, P<0.01), duration of standing (r=0.32, P<0.01) and frequency of bar-biting behaviour (r=0.51, P<0.01) of the sows (n=30). In conclusion, immediate postnatal piglet mortality, mainly due to crushing, may be associated with potential increases in frequency of postural changes, duration of standing and incidence of piglet trapping in postpartum sows in the open crate system with large litters.
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Yi R, Wang C, Zhang X, Zhao P, Zhang M, Li X, Cui S, Liu H, Bao J. Maternal Behavior, Posture Change, and Production Performance of Lactating Sows Housed in an Enriched Environment. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2018; 22:298-308. [PMID: 30246556 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2018.1512860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate whether adding straw to a loose-farrowing house promotes maternal functions and production. Forty-eight sows (Landrace× Large White) were housed in either a farrowing pen without straw (C, n = 24) or with straw (S, n = 24). Behaviors were observed using video recordings and were statistically analyzed. Lateral recumbency was higher and standing was lower in S compared with C (p = .034 and p = .020, respectively), and lateral recumbency to other postures, ventral to lateral recumbency and standing to lying were markedly lower in S than C (p = .014, p = .025 and p = .023, respectively) on Day 1 postpartum. However, except piglet losses during the first three days postpartum (p = .032), piglet weight on Day 21 (p = .037), and piglet weaning weight (p = .020), other production performances were not significantly different between the two groups during the whole experimental period (p ˃.05). The results suggest the enrichment of a farrowing pen with straw has important beneficial effects on sow and piglet welfare and improves piglet survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yi
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
| | - Chao Wang
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
| | - Xin Zhang
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
| | - Peng Zhao
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
| | - Mingyue Zhang
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
| | - Xiang Li
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
| | - Shiquan Cui
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
| | - Honggui Liu
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China.,b Key Laboratory of Swine Facilities Engineering , Ministry of Agriculture , Harbin , China
| | - Jun Bao
- a College of Animal Science and Technology , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin , China
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Temporary crate opening procedure affects immediate post-opening piglet mortality and sow behaviour. Animal 2018; 13:189-197. [PMID: 29733002 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118000915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Producers are interested in utilising farrowing systems with reduced confinement to improve sow welfare. However, concerns of increased mortality may limit commercial uptake. Temporary confinement systems utilise a standard crate which is opened 3 to 7 days postpartum, providing protection for neonatal piglets at their most vulnerable age and later increased freedom of movement for sows. However, there is anecdotal evidence that piglet mortality increases immediately after the temporary crate is opened. The current study aims were to determine if piglet mortality increases post-opening, to trial different opening techniques to reduce post-opening piglet mortality and to identify how the different opening techniques influence sow behaviour. Three opening treatments were implemented across 416 sows: two involved opening crates individually within each farrowing house when each litter reached 7 days of age, in either the morning or afternoon (AM or PM), with a control of the standard method used on the farm to open all crates in each farrowing house simultaneously once the average litter age reached 7 days (ALL). Behavioural observations were performed on five sows from each treatment during the 6 h after crate opening, and during the same 6 h period on the previous and subsequent days. Across all treatments, piglet mortality was significantly higher in the post-opening than pre-opening period (P<0.0005). Between opening treatments, there were significant differences in piglet mortality during the 2 days after crate opening (P<0.05), whilst piglet mortality also tended to differ from crate opening until weaning (P=0.052), being highest in ALL and lowest in PM. Only sows in the PM treatment showed no increase in standing behaviour but did show an increased number of potentially dangerous posture changes after crate opening (P=0.01), which may be partly attributed to the temporal difference in observation periods. Sow behaviour only differed between AM and ALL on the day before crate opening, suggesting the AM treatment disrupted behaviour pre-opening. Sows in AM and PM treatments showed more sitting behaviour than ALL, and therefore may have been more alert. In conclusion, increases in piglet mortality after crate opening can be reduced by opening crates individually, more so in the afternoon. Sow habituation to disturbance before crate opening may have reduced post-opening piglet mortality, perhaps by reducing the difference in pre- and post-opening sow behaviour patterns.
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Illmann G, Chaloupková H, Melišová M. Impact of sow prepartum behavior on maternal behavior, piglet body weight gain, and mortality in farrowing pens and crates. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:3978-3986. [PMID: 27898894 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 24-h period prior to parturition, sows are active and motivated to perform nest-building behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate whether prepartum activity (nesting and postural changes) could predict maternal behavior 24 h postpartum, piglet mortality, and BW gain 24 h postpartum in farrowing pens and crates. Sows were randomly moved either to a farrowing pen ( = 20) or a farrowing crate ( = 18). Prepartum nest-building behavior (PRE-nesting) and prepartum postural changes (prepartum postural changes) were analyzed 24 h before the birth of the first piglet (BFP) and were divided into twelve 2-h intervals. Latency of the first suckling from the litter was observed after the birth of the last piglet. Udder accesses and piglet suckling were noted at 5-min intervals, using 1/0 sampling, during the first 24 h after BFP were counted. Piglet trapping, crushing, and total live-born mortality were measured during the first 72 h after BFP. Piglet BW gain was estimated 24 h after BFP. Increased PRE-nesting observed 2 h before BFP were associated with fewer suckling intervals in crates but not in pens ( < 0.01) as well as an increase in postural changes during parturition ( < 0.001) in both housings. A link between housing and PRE-postural changes was evident. An increase in the number of PRE-postural changes 2 h prior to BFP was associated with lower incidences of udder access in crates but not in pens ( < 0.05). A higher probability of piglet trapping was associated with increased PRE-nesting in the 2 to 4 h before BFP. No significant relationship between either PRE-nesting and postural changes and piglet BW gain and mortality was detected. Our results suggest that increased prepartum activity 2 h before parturition is associated with less suckling and less udder access in farrowing crates but not in farrowing pens. This suggests that the same sow behavior can have different consequences in pens vs. in crates. Future research should focus on nest-building activity, its relationship to endocrine indicators (e.g., oxytocin, cortisol) before parturition, and its potential long-lasting effects on subsequent maternal behaviors and piglet production.
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Grimberg-Henrici C, Czycholl I, Burfeind O, Krieter J. What do maternal tests actually test? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hales J, Moustsen V, Nielsen M, Hansen C. The effect of temporary confinement of hyperprolific sows in Sow Welfare and Piglet protection pens on sow behaviour and salivary cortisol concentrations. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Thompson R, Matheson SM, Plötz T, Edwards SA, Kyriazakis I. Porcine lie detectors: Automatic quantification of posture state and transitions in sows using inertial sensors. COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE 2016; 127:521-530. [PMID: 27667883 PMCID: PMC5026400 DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a novel approach to automated classification and quantification of sow postures and posture transitions that may enable large scale and accurate continuous behaviour assessment on farm. Automatic classification and quantification of postures and posture transitions in domestic animals has substantial potential to enhance their welfare and productivity. Analysis of such behaviours in farrowing sows can highlight the need for human intervention or lead to the prediction of movement patterns that are potentially dangerous for their piglets, such as crushing when the sow lies down. Data were recorded by a tri-axial accelerometer secured to the hind-end of each sow, in a deployment that involved six sows over the period around parturition. The posture state (standing, sitting, lateral and sternal lying) was automatically classified for the full dataset with a mean F1 score (a measure of predictive performance between 0 and 1) of 0.78. Sitting was shown to present a greater challenge to classification with a F1 score of 0.54, compared to the lateral lying postures, which were classified with an average F1 score of 0.91. Posture transitions were detected with a F1 score of 0.79. We automatically extracted and visualized a range of features that characterise the manner in which the sows changed posture in order to provide comparative descriptors of sow activity and lying style that can be used to assess the influence of genetics or housing design. The methodology presented in this paper can be applied in large scale deployments with potential for enhancing animal welfare and productivity on farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Thompson
- School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Open Lab, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephanie M. Matheson
- School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Thomas Plötz
- Open Lab, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sandra A. Edwards
- School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ilias Kyriazakis
- School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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The influence of sow behaviour on piglet mortality due to crushing in an open farrowing system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s135772980005551x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe objectives of this study were to establish what changes in posture by sows carried a high risk of piglet crushing in a group farrowing system during early lactation and also to determine what factors influenced the risk of crushing during lying down. A total of 24 Large White ✕ Landrace sows were studied during the first 7 days of lactation in a group farrowing system. Cross-fostering was not carried out so as not to influence behaviour. Dead piglets were removed and cause of death ascertained from external observation and post-mortem examination. Sow and piglet behaviour was video-recorded continuously. A total of 268 piglets were born alive, with 67 liveborn piglets subsequently dying during the 7-day experimental period, 50 as a result of crushing. A total of 7425 posture changes were analysed and 11 types of posture change were identified, the most dangerous being lying down from standing and those involving swapping sides, or rolling over, whilst lying.Dangerous events during lying down were more likely to occur (1) in the first 24 h after farrowing, (2) when the sow lay down in the middle of the pen, (3) when the sow lay down without carrying out much piglet-directed pre-lying behaviour and (4) when the piglets were spread out but near to the sow. The amount of pre-lying behaviour decreased over time and crushing mortality also decreased. The results confirm that the piglets are most vulnerable to crushing during the first 24 h of life, when they are spending much of their time near the udder and have relatively poor mobility. Co-ordination of behaviour between the sow and her litter is important to reduce the risk of crushing. It is also important that the design of open farrowing systems incorporates knowledge about how crushing deaths occur in order to improve piglet welfare.
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A comparison of the behaviour and performance of sows and piglets in crates and oval pens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s135772980005089x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA comparison was made of sow lying behaviour, piglet aggregation behaviour and performance in crates (no. = 10) and oval pens (no. = 8). Twenty-four hour time-lapse video tapes were made and a farrowing day defined for each sow by noting the 24-h period during which the sow gave birth (09:00 to 09:00 h). Each sow and litter, balanced for parity and time of year, was analysed from 12:00 to 20:00 h during the 24 h immediately following this day. The following analyses were conducted: (1) the number and type of lying behaviour; (2) each litter was scanned every 10 min and at each lying event the number of piglets within 0·3 m of the sow noted; two indices were then calculated, based on the mean of the 10-min scans and the mean for the lying events, for each sow expressed as a proportion of the total litter size. Any dead piglets were removed and cause of mortality established by post-mortem examination. Production data showed that there was no significant difference between litter size at birth and at weaning but overall level of mortality was higher in the pen compared with the crate due to crushing. The majority of crushing events occurred in the first 3 days after farrowing (crate 75%; oval pen 64%). The total number of lying events and related posture changes did not differ between systems; only ‘roll-over’ events (movement from lateral on one side to the other within 10 s) were higher in the oval pen. There was no difference in the proportion of aggregating piglets at the 10-min scans or the lying events. Increased crushing mortality in the pen does not appear to be due to the aggregation behaviour of piglets but to the increased number of sow roll-over behaviours.
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Condous PC, Plush KJ, Tilbrook AJ, van Wettere WHEJ. Reducing sow confinement during farrowing and in early lactation increases piglet mortality1. J Anim Sci 2016; 94:3022-9. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. C. Condous
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - K. J. Plush
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - A. J. Tilbrook
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - W. H. E. J. van Wettere
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
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Chidgey KL, Morel PC, Stafford KJ, Barugh IW. Observations of sows and piglets housed in farrowing pens with temporary crating or farrowing crates on a commercial farm. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Jang JC, Jung SW, Jin SS, Ohh SJ, Kim JE, Kim YY. The Effects of Gilts Housed Either in Group with the Electronic Sow Feeding System or Conventional Stall. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2015; 28:1512-8. [PMID: 26323407 PMCID: PMC4554859 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.14.0819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to assess the welfare and productivity of gestating gilts in groups with the electronic sow feeding (ESF) system compared to conventional stalls. A total of 83 gilts (Yorkshire×Landrace) were housed into individual stalls to be artificially inseminated. Gilts confirmed pregnant were introduced to their treatment, conventional stalls (ST) or groups with the ESF system. All gilts were taken to the farrowing crates one week prior to their expected farrowing date. In the gestation period, there were no significant differences between gilts allocated to ST and ESF on growth performance. However, backfat thickness gain (p = 0.08) and body condition score (BCS) at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.10) tended to be higher in ESF gilts than ST. Likewise, gilts housed in group showed significantly higher estimated body muscle contents at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.02) and body muscle change during gestation (p = 0.01). There was a trend for a shorter parturition time in ESF gilts (p = 0.07). In the lactation period, group housed gilts showed a tendency to increased BCS changes (p = 0.06). Reproductive performance did not differ with the exception of piglet mortality (ST = 0.2 no. of piglets vs ESF = 0.4 no. of piglets; p = 0.01). In blood profiles, ST gilts showed a higher cortisol level at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.01). Weaning to estrus interval was shorter in gilts housed in ESF than ST (p = 0.01). In locomotory behaviors, ESF gilts recorded a tendency to elevate locomotion score at 36, 70, and 110 days of gestation (p = 0.07, p = 0.06, and p = 0.06, respectively). Similarly, ESF gilts showed significantly higher incidence of scratches at 36, 70, and 110 days of gestation (p = 0.01). Moreover, farrowing rates were higher in stall treatment (97.6%) compare to group housing treatment (95.2%). In conclusion, while group housed gilts with ESF system positively affected welfare status in combination with less physiologically stressful environments and activity, it negatively effects piglet mortality, farrowing rates and injuries of gilts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Jang
- College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea
| | - S W Jung
- College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea
| | - S S Jin
- College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea
| | - S J Ohh
- College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea
| | - J E Kim
- National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 331-801, Korea
| | - Y Y Kim
- College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea
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Hales J, Moustsen VA, Nielsen MBF, Hansen CF. Temporary confinement of loose-housed hyperprolific sows reduces piglet mortality1. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:4079-88. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-8973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Baxter EM, Adeleye OO, Jack MC, Farish M, Ison SH, Edwards SA. Achieving optimum performance in a loose-housed farrowing system for sows: The effects of space and temperature. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Nevrkla P, Hadaš Z. Effect of Housing of Lactating Sows on Their Reproductive Performance and Losses of Piglets From Birth to Weaning. ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS 2015. [DOI: 10.11118/actaun201563010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Sow and piglet productivity and sow reproductive performance in farrowing pens with temporary crating or farrowing crates on a commercial New Zealand pig farm. Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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43
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Illmann G, Chaloupková H, Neuhauserová K. Effect of pre- and post-partum sow activity on maternal behaviour and piglet weight gain 24h after birth. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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44
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Hales J, Moustsen V, Devreese A, Nielsen M, Hansen C. Comparable farrowing progress in confined and loose housed hyper-prolific sows. Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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The effect of farrowing environment and previous experience on the maternal behaviour of sows in indoor pens and outdoor huts. Animal 2014; 9:669-76. [PMID: 25496661 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731114003036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Outdoor farrowing huts facilitate a less restricted maternal behaviour in sows compared with sows kept indoors in farrowing pens. The aim of our study was to investigate whether there are behavioural differences between primiparous sows kept outdoors in farrowing huts and indoors in pens, and whether the maternal behaviour during the second parity, when all sows were kept outdoors in farrowing huts, would differ between sows that have experienced the indoor or the outdoor environment, respectively, during their first parturition. A total of 26 Yorkshire×Swedish Landrace sows were studied. Of these, 11 sows were housed outdoors in farrowing huts during both parturitions (group=OUTOUT). The other 15 sows were kept indoors in a barn with single farrowing pens during their first parturition. During their second parturition, sows were kept outdoors in farrowing huts (group=INOUT). The behaviour was video recorded from 2 h prepartum to 48 h postpartum. The sows' responsiveness to playbacks of a piglet's screams was tested on days 2 to 3 postpartum. Parity 1: during the last 2 h prepartum, OUTOUT sows had a higher proportion of observations in the sternal lying position (P<0.01). During parturition, OUTOUT sows changed posture more often (P<0.05) and were lying less (P<0.05) than INOUT sows. All sows in both groups responded with 'lifting head' towards the playback of piglet scream, whereas 100% of OUTOUT sows and only 43% of INOUT sows thereafter were 'getting up' (P <0.01). Parity 2: There were no behavioural differences between INOUT and OUTOUT sows. In conclusion, it is not problematic for a second parity sow with initial maternal experience from an indoor farrowing pen to be kept outdoors in farrowing huts during its following farrowing.
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Hales J, Moustsen VA, Nielsen MBF, Hansen CF. Individual physical characteristics of neonatal piglets affect preweaning survival of piglets born in a noncrated system. J Anim Sci 2014; 91:4991-5003. [PMID: 24078619 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of individual physical characteristics on preweaning survival and growth of piglets born in a noncrate system. Data were collected from 3,402 neonatal piglets from 203 Landrace × Yorkshire sows housed in noncrate pens in a commercial Danish sow herd. Piglets were categorized into groups according to their survivability: surviving to weaning (SURV), stillborn (STILL), or dead between birth and weaning (DBW), which was subdivided into dead d 0 to 1 after farrowing (DEAD1) or dead d 2 to 26 after farrowing (DEAD26). Linear models were used to determine which physical characteristics affected survivability and growth of piglets. Results showed that characteristics related to the individual piglets had a greater degree of explanatory power in relation to survival than variables related to the sow. Survival of piglets increased if piglets were females (P < 0.001), had a greater body mass index (P < 0.001), and were born to sows of parity 3 or more (P = 0.017). Piglets with a greater birth weight were more likely to survive (P < 0.001), but birth weight was inferior to body mass index in explaining differences between SURV and DBW. Piglets that died 2 to 26 d after birth had a lower birth weight (P < 0.001), were born to sows of parity 1 or 2 (P = 0.014), and were born after a shorter gestation (P = 0.011) compared with SURV. Piglets that died on d 0 to 1 after birth had a lower body mass index (P < 0.001), displayed a greater degree of growth restriction (P = 0.004), and were born in large litters (P = 0.005). The gender of the piglets affected survivability at both d 0 to 1 (P < 0.001) and d 2 to 26 (P < 0.001). Piglets in DEAD1 differed from STILL by having a shorter crown to rump length (P < 0.001), a birth weight that deviated more from the mean weight of the litter (P = 0.001), and being more likely to be born before d 116 of gestation (P = 0.008). The only physical characteristic that was important for growth performance in the suckling period was birth weight (P < 0.001), yet using only birth weight as an indicator for survivability was too simplistic. The results of this study emphasize that individual characteristics of neonatal piglets could serve as indicators of survivability of piglets born in noncrate systems; however, the results suggest that the importance of characteristics differed in different periods of the preweaning period.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hales
- Centre for Herd-oriented Education, Research and Development (HERD), Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Melišová M, Illmann G, Chaloupková H, Bozděchová B. Sow postural changes, responsiveness to piglet screams, and their impact on piglet mortality in pens and crates. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:3064-72. [PMID: 24778328 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-7340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free farrowing pens (pens) improve the welfare of sows but may increase sow activity and negatively influence piglet production. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pens and crates on sow postural changes, piglet trapping, sow responses to piglet screams, piglet mortality, and piglet BW gain. It was predicted that provision of greater space (in pens) would increase not only the frequency of sow postural changes and the probability of trappisng but also sow responses to the screams of piglets; thus, the outcome would be no differences in fatal piglet crushing or overall mortality between the housing systems. Sows were randomly moved to either a farrowing pen (n = 20) or farrowing crate (n = 18). Sow behavior was recorded and analyzed for 72 h from the birth of the first piglet (BFP). Sow postural changes included rolling from a ventral to lateral position and vice versa and going from standing to sitting, standing to lying, and sitting to lying. Occurrences of piglet trapping and sow responsiveness to real crushing situations were analyzed. Sow responsiveness was assessed in response to audio playbacks (PB) of piglet screams on d 3 postpartum (48 to 72 h after BFP; PB crush calls) and real piglet crushing during the first 72 h after BFP (real crush calls). Piglet BW gain was estimated 24 h after BFP, piglet BW was recorded at weaning, and piglet crushing and piglet mortality were recorded during the 72 h after BFP. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED and PROC GENMOD of SAS. Sows in pens showed more postural changes (P = 0.04) and tended to have greater incidences of piglet trapping (P = 0.07) than those in crates. Sow response to PB crush calls was greater in pens (P = 0.04) but did not differ for real crush calls between pens and crates (P = 0.62). There was no effect on the probability of piglet crushing (P = 0.38) and mortality (P = 0.41) during the 72 h after BFP nor in piglet mortality at weaning (P = 0.81) between pens and crates. Piglet BW gain at 24 h after BFP (P = 0.01) and piglet BW at weaning (P = 0.02) were greater in pens. Sows in pens showed more postural changes and tended to trap more piglets; however, the response to real crush calls did not differ between the two housing systems. Despite this, there was no increase in piglet crushing or mortality in pens, which might be influenced by the better piglet body condition observed in pens, which in turn could influence their ability to avoid crushing by the sow.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Melišová
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague- Uhříněves, Czech Republic, 104 00
| | - G Illmann
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague- Uhříněves, Czech Republic, 104 00
| | - H Chaloupková
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague- Uhříněves, Czech Republic, 104 00
| | - B Bozděchová
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague- Uhříněves, Czech Republic, 104 00
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Adeleye O, Brett M, Blomfield D, Guy J, Edwards S. The effect of algal biomass supplementation in maternal diets on piglet survival in two housing systems. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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49
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Higher preweaning mortality in free farrowing pens compared with farrowing crates in three commercial pig farms. Animal 2014; 8:113-20. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731113001869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Illmann G, Hammerschmidt K, Špinka M, Tallet C. Calling by domestic piglets during simulated crushing and isolation: a signal of need? PLoS One 2013; 8:e83529. [PMID: 24349527 PMCID: PMC3862757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether piglet distress vocalizations vary with age, body weight and health status, according to the predictions of the honest signalling of need evolutionary model. Vocalizations were recorded during manual squeezing (a simulation of being crushed by mother sow) and during isolation on Days 1 and 7 after birth in piglets from 15 litters. We predicted that during squeezing, younger, lighter and sick piglets would call more intensely because they are in higher risk of dying during crushing and therefore they benefit more from the sow’s reaction to intensive vocalization. For isolation, we predicted that lighter and younger piglets would call more because they are more vulnerable to adverse effects of the separation. Calls were analyzed in their time and frequency domain. The rate of calling, call duration, proportion of high-pitched calls and eight acoustic parameters characterizing frequency distribution and tonality were used as indicators of acoustic signalling intensity. Piglets that experienced “squeezing” on Day 1 produced more intense acoustic distress signalling than on Day 7. Lighter piglets called more during squeezing than heavier piglets. Health status did not significantly affect any of the indicators of intensity of vocalization during squeezing. In isolation, none of the parameters of vocalization intensity were affected either by the age or by the weight of the piglets. In summary, the model of honest signalling of need was confirmed in the squeezed situation, but not in the isolation situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Illmann
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Kurt Hammerschmidt
- Cognitive Ethology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marek Špinka
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Céline Tallet
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Rennes, UMR1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
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