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Zhang H, Yan X, Lin A, Xia P, Jia M, Su Y. Effect of feeding regimen on circadian activity rhythms of food anticipatory by ghrelin hormone in a pig model. Nutr Neurosci 2023; 26:313-331. [PMID: 35249475 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2022.2047436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly diverse meal patterns affect the internal body clock. Ghrelin secretion is closely associated with the anticipation of a regularly scheduled mealtime, leading ghrelin to be a putative candidate for food-related entraining signals that drive activity rhythms. Here, growing pigs with different meal frequencies were used to construct an irregular eating pattern model. We found that irregular eating patterns changed central ghrelin levels of pigs, affected the circadian entrainment and circadian rhythm pathways in hypothalamus tissue, and altered the daily behavior and food anticipatory activity (FAA). To determine whether ghrelin exerts an effect, growing pigs were intravenously injected with ghrelin antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 for 7 days. We showed here that [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 administration decreased locomotor activity of growing pigs in the 4-h window preceding onset of food availability. In addition, we also confirmed that the direct role of ghrelin in molecular mechanism of regulating clock genes expression via calcium mobilization through intracellular PKC/PLC and AC/PKA pathways in vitro. Collectively, irregular eating patterns affect the central circadian system by ghrelin, supporting ghrelin as a temporal messenger of food-entrainment in hypothalamic circadian functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxi Yan
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ailian Lin
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengke Xia
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglan Jia
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Su
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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2
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Zhao W, Yang N, Zhu L, Lin Y, Zhang Q, Shu G, Wang S, Gao P, Zhu X, Wang L, Jiang Q. Effect of different odors on the fighting behavior of weaning piglets after merging into a large pen. Anim Sci J 2023; 94:e13809. [PMID: 36653895 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In intensive pig production, the fighting behavior of weaning piglets after merging pens is relatively common. Fighting behavior not only easily causes injury in pigs but also affects the production performance of pigs. To reduce fighting behavior in farms, this study aimed to explore the possible effect of odorous substances on piglet fighting behavior after merging into a large pen. Six different sprays were tested: original creamy, cheese flavor, orange flavor, truffle, vanilla and pigpen flavor. In each experiment, two groups were set (one odor-sprayed and no sprayed control), and 12 pigs were used per group. After mixing, the frequency of occurrence of various piglet behaviors in different pens was recorded. During this period, salivary cortisol levels and skin lesion scores were evaluated. As a result, the piglets sprayed with the original creamy, cheese flavor and vanilla substances obtained significantly higher average daily gain and feed intake and showed a significantly lower incidence of fighting behavior, and the skin lesion score and salivary cortisol of piglets were also reduced significantly. All the other odorous substances had no significant effects on the fighting behavior and production performance of piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Chuxiong Anyou Livestock Co., Chuxiong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yisheng Lin
- Guangdong Ruisheng Technology Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiman Zhang
- Guangdong Ruisheng Technology Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Shu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Songbo Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyan Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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3
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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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Franchi GA, Larsen MLV, Winters JFM, Jensen MB, Pedersen LJ. Investigating the effects of two weaning methods and two genetic hybrids on play behavior in weaner pigs (Sus scrofa). FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.909038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In conventional pig production, suckling pigs are typically weaned between 3 and 5 weeks of age. This involves separation from the sow, dietary change, and regrouping in a novel environment, which challenge the welfare of pigs. We investigated the effects of two weaning methods [conventional weaning: two litters mixed in a weaner pen of different size and design (MOVE) vs. litter staying in the farrowing pen after removing the sow (STAY)] and two genetic hybrids [DanBred Yorkshire × Landrace (approximately 21 total pigs born/litter; DB) vs. Topigs Norsvin TN70 Yorkshire × Landrace (approximately 16 total pigs born/litter with higher individual birth weight and weaning weight than DB; TN)] on play behavior across weaning. Both genetic hybrids were inseminated with semen of DanBred Duroc boars. Litters were reduced to the number of functional teats at birth. The durations of locomotor-rotational play (LOC) and social play (SOC) of 24 indoor-housed litters [pigs/litter: (average ± SD) 13 ± 2; age at the weaning day: 26 ± 2 days] were video-recorded continuously between 14:00 h and 22:00 h on days −1, 1, and 2 relative to weaning and statistically analyzed with mixed-effects modeling at the individual level. Before weaning, TN pigs performed LOC longer than DB pigs. On day 2 post-weaning, STAY pigs engaged in more SOC than MOVE pigs. Moreover, TN pigs and STAY pigs displayed a steeper increase in LOC from days 1 to 2 than DB pigs and MOVE pigs, respectively. We demonstrated that pigs belonging to the genetic hybrid with higher weight at birth and weaning spent more time playing on the day before weaning. Additionally, weaning pigs in the farrowing pen and, hence, avoiding social mixing and relocation to an unfamiliar environment had a positive effect on social play after weaning. Our study illustrates that weaning stress in pigs may be reduced by using a genetic hybrid featuring higher birth and weaning weight and by keeping litters intact in a familiar environment after weaning. This study also supports the use of play behavior as an animal welfare indicator.
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Baert S, Aubé L, Haley DB, Bergeron R, Devillers N. The protective role of wallowing against heat stress in gestating and lactating sows housed outdoors. Physiol Behav 2022; 254:113898. [PMID: 35792155 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the physiological response of gestating and lactating sows to naturally-occurring environmental conditions, and to identify factors that may contribute to or prevent heat stress, while being kept outdoors in Québec, Canada during the summer. Six groups of 4 Yorkshire-Landrace sows lived in outdoor pens equipped with a wallow, shade structure, farrowing huts and access to a pasture from July to September, 2018. Between week 15 of gestation and week 3 of lactation (inclusive), we recorded the location of each sow 5 days/week during 5 daily 15-min observation periods, and additionally measured the sow's respiratory rate and mud cover at the end of each observation period. Simultaneously, we collected sow body temperature data with vaginal temperature loggers 24h/d on week 15 of gestation and week 2 of lactation, and monitored environmental conditions with temperature and humidity loggers to calculate the temperature humidity index (THI). Sows had significantly higher and more variable body temperatures during lactation compared to gestation (P≤0.0001), and when THI was analyzed as a continuous variable, it was positively associated with sow body temperature during the night in lactation. During gestation, neither respiratory rate nor body temperature were associated with high or low levels of THI (P=0.15 and 0.79, respectively) or mud cover (P=0.29 and 0.94, respectively). However, in lactation, respiratory rate was higher when, simultaneously, THI exceeded 74 and mud cover was low (P=0.006), while a THI higher than 74 and a low mud cover had independent effects on body temperature (P=0.012 and 0.004, respectively). In lactation, sows that spent an entire observation period in the farrowing hut also had a higher respiratory rate than sows that left the hut at least once (P=0.009). In summary, lactating sows were more likely to show increases in respiratory rate and body temperature in warmer conditions than gestating sows, and our findings also suggest that time in the farrowing hut may be a risk factor for heat stress. However, mud cover may limit these physiological consequences when sows have access to a wallow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baert
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1M 1Z3; Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Gordon Street & College Avenue West, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1.
| | - Lydiane Aubé
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1M 1Z3.
| | - Derek B Haley
- Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Gordon Street & College Avenue West, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1.
| | - Renée Bergeron
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1.
| | - Nicolas Devillers
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1M 1Z3.
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6
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Chu TT, Zaalberg RM, Bovbjerg H, Jensen J, Villumsen TM. Genetic variation in piglet mortality in outdoor organic production systems. Animal 2022; 16:100529. [PMID: 35483172 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Piglet mortality from farrowing to weaning is a major concern, especially in outdoor organic production systems. This issue might impair animal welfare and generate economic losses for the farmer. In particular, it is difficult to apply management tools that are commonly used for indoor pig production systems to organic or outdoor production systems. Genetics and breeding approaches might be used to improve piglet survival. However, knowledge remains limited on the genetic background underlying survival traits in organic pigs that are born and reared outdoors. Here, we investigated the mortality of piglets from farrowing to weaning in an outdoor organic pig population and suggested genetic strategies to reduce piglet mortality in this production system. The experiment included mortality records of piglets from farrowing to weaning (around 69 days of age). Pedigree-based threshold models were used to analyse the mortality traits of piglets at 0-3 days of age, 4-11 days, and 12 days to weaning. Stillborn piglets were included in the group of piglets that died at 0-3 days of age. We found that the mortality rate from farrowing to weaning was, on average, 19.2%. However, most piglet deaths (79.1%) occurred at 0-11 days of age. As the age of piglets increased, the direct heritability of piglet mortality rose from 0 to 0.04, whereas maternal heritability decreased from 0.03 to a non-significant value. Piglets with higher BW had a lower mortality rate. However, the genetic correlations between maternal effects on piglet mortality and piglet BW were not significant; thus, selection for piglets with higher BW at around 10 days of age, through improving maternal genetics, would not reduce piglet mortality. Piglet mortality increased from sows with increasing number of parities. Crossbreeding also reduced piglet mortality. In conclusion, selection focusing on sow genotype, the use of younger sows, and crossbreeding could contribute to maintain piglet mortality at lower levels in outdoor organic pig production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thinh T Chu
- Aarhus University, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, 8830 Tjele, Denmark; Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Science, Viet Nam.
| | - Roos M Zaalberg
- Aarhus University, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | | | - Just Jensen
- Aarhus University, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Trine M Villumsen
- Aarhus University, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
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7
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To wallow or nurse: Sows housed outdoors have distinctive approaches to thermoregulation in gestation and lactation. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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8
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Effects of two different early socialization models on social behavior and physiology of suckling piglets. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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9
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Kuller W, Sietsma S, Hendriksen S, Sperling D. Use of paracetamol in sows around farrowing: effect on health and condition of the sow, piglet mortality, piglet weight and piglet weight gain. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:46. [PMID: 34364398 PMCID: PMC8349007 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00224-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain and fever in the periparturient period can lead to prolonged farrowing and can slow down the recovery of the sow, which will have an effect on the vitality and survival of the piglets. This study investigated the use of orally administered Paracetamol (Pracetam- CEVA) in sows in the periparturient period. RESULTS Mortality did not differ in piglets during the first week, or during total lactation (P > 0.10). No difference was found in weight or weight gain of the piglets during lactation. The coefficient of variation of piglet weight was smaller in the Paracetamol (Pm) group at day 7, day 14 and at weaning, but not at birth. So, the variation within litters was smaller in the Pm- treated sows, in comparison with the Control (C) litters. No difference in mean IgG concentration was found between treatments, but the coefficient of variation was too high (> 40) in 50% of the C litters and not in Pm litters. The Pm- treated sows lost less backfat than the C- sows. No effect was found on the body temperature of the sows, but fever was rare in both groups. CONCLUSION Paracetamol results in less variation of body weight of piglets during lactation, seems to have a potential effect on the distribution of IgG within litters and has a positive effect on backfat loss. The effects of Paracetamol might be even more pronounced in farms with high piglet mortality (this farm only 8%) or with a high incidence of agalactia, fever after farrowing or piglet diarrhoea, which was not the case in this farm. Paracetamol is a promising product for increasing the welfare in lactating sows and optimising production in the farrowing stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wikke Kuller
- University Farm Animal Practice, Reijerscopse Overgang 1, 3481, LZ, Harmelen, The Netherlands.
| | - Steven Sietsma
- University Farm Animal Practice, Reijerscopse Overgang 1, 3481, LZ, Harmelen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Hendriksen
- CEVA Netherlands, Ceva Santé Animale B.V, Tiendweg 8c, 2671, SB, Naaldwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Sperling
- CEVA Sante Animale, Havirna 1133, 67961, Letovice, Czech Republic
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10
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Orihuela A. Review: Management of livestock behavior to improve welfare and production. Animal 2021; 15 Suppl 1:100290. [PMID: 34238724 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In animal production, producers face different problems inherent to production systems. Today society is increasingly concerned about more sustainable systems and animal welfare. Applied ethology can be a tool to solve some of these problems through these approaches. The purpose of this review is to show succinctly some sustainable behavioral technologies whose application favors animal welfare and productivity. The examples cover areas of behavioral problems associated with multiple births, where odor transfer can be used to substitute or add newborns to a foster mother; early weaning, where some alternatives for a gradual break may reduce the stress of separation; early experience on the development of food preferences, where behavioral problems like neophobia can be avoided; early detection of sick animals, where recognition of some specific behaviors could help early identification of diseases, even before the appearance of clinical signs; social isolation on ease of handling, where different techniques have proved their effectiveness modifying the temperament of the animals; design of facilities and management, where it is highlighted how when considering the behavior of the animals in the design and management, better results are obtained; social isolation, facilitation, and buffering, where the presence of other members of the group can modify the consumption and sexual behaviors of pen-mates, or even alleviate suffering; and human-animal interaction on productivity, where the relevance of a positive human-animal interaction is highlighted. After reviewing the scientific literature on the subject, we can conclude that several modern livestock management practices might induce stress in animals, affecting their welfare, health, and productive performance. Applied animal behavior could be a sustainable and effective option to understand and solve some of these problems, and in many cases does not even require a strong economic investment for producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001 Col. Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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Wensley MR, Tokach MD, Woodworth JC, Goodband RD, Gebhardt JT, DeRouchey JM, McKilligan D. Maintaining continuity of nutrient intake after weaning. I. Review of pre-weaning strategies. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab021. [PMID: 33750992 PMCID: PMC7963027 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Weaning is a crucial phase of swine production marked by a multitude of biological and environmental stressors, which have a significant impact on immediate postweaning behavior and feed intake (FI). During this time, the piglet's gastrointestinal (GI) system is also undergoing extensive epithelial, immune, and nervous system development. In this review, our objective is to describe the different preweaning strategies that can be used to minimize nutrient intake disruption and improve FI in the immediate postweaning period. Reducing nutrient disruption postweaning can be accomplished through the implementation of management and nutritional strategies. Research consistently demonstrates that weaning older, more developmentally mature pigs helps prevent many of the adverse GI effects associated with weaning stress. Providing creep feed to pigs during lactation is another reliable strategy that has been shown to increase immediate postweaning FI by acclimating pigs to solid feed prior to weaning. Likewise, socialization by allowing pigs to mix before weaning improves social skills, minimizing mixing stress, and aggression-related injury immediately postweaning. Supplemental milk replacer has also been shown to elicit a positive response in preweaning growth performance, which may help to reduce preweaning mortality. While socialization and milk replacer are acknowledged to ease the weaning transition, these strategies have not been widely adopted due to labor and application challenges. Additionally, the cost of milk replacer and logistics of retrofitting farrowing houses to accommodate litter socialization have limited adaptation. Further exploration of maternal nutrition strategies, particularly fetal imprinting, is needed to better understand the implications of perinatal learning. Other areas for future research include, combining environmental enrichment with feeding strategies, such as large destructible pellets or play feeders, as well as determining at what time point producers should start socializing pigs before weaning. While more research is needed to develop strategic preweaning management programs, many of the strategies presented in this review provide opportunities for producers to minimize nutrient intake disruption by preventing feed neophobia, reducing stress, and easing the wean pig transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madie R Wensley
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, USA
| | - Mike D Tokach
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, USA
| | - Jason C Woodworth
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, USA
| | - Robert D Goodband
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, USA
| | - Jordan T Gebhardt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, USA
| | - Joel M DeRouchey
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, USA
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12
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Swan KM, Telkänranta H, Munsterhjelm C, Peltoniemi O, Valros A. Access to chewable materials during lactation affects sow behaviour and interaction with piglets. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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The effect of two different farrowing systems on sow behaviour, and piglet behaviour, mortality and growth. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Effects of Different Farrowing Environments on the Behavior of Sows and Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020320. [PMID: 32085551 PMCID: PMC7070988 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The farrowing crate has long been a severe welfare problem of sows as its space restriction greatly impairs the behavioral expression of sows and induces long-term stress. We aimed to investigate the behavioral pattern of sows and piglets reared under different farrowing systems a farrowing crate and free farrowing pens with sloping walls with or without nest materials. Sows and piglets in free farrowing pens had a higher level of activity and lower level of performing abnormal behaviors. Providing nest material enhanced the beneficial effect of free farrowing system on the behavior of sows and piglets. These results encourage us to introduce the free farrowing systems to the pig industry and thus improve the welfare condition of farrowing sows. However, improved managements should be investigated as the piglet loss in the free farrowing systems tended to be higher than that in the farrowing crate system. Abstract We investigated the effect of different farrowing systems on the behavior of sows and piglets. In total, 22 hybrid sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) were randomly assigned into three farrowing systems, farrowing crate (FC), free farrowing pen with sloping walls (FFS), and free farrowing pen with sloping walls and nest materials (FFSN). The FFS and FFSN sows were more active, and exhibited less abnormal behaviors compared with the FC sows before and after parturition. FFS and FFSN piglets were more active compared with FC piglets. The increased activity of the FFS and FFSN sows might encourage the activity of their piglets, resulting in more proximity to sow behavior of their piglets. Providing nest materials improved the investigative behavior of sows and piglets. The total mortality of piglets in the free farrowing systems tended to be higher compared with the farrowing crate system. In conclusion, free farrowing system has beneficial effects on the behavior of sows and piglets but extra care in management needs to be taken to avoid piglet loss. Adding nest material in the farrowing pens is suggested to enrich the behavioral pattern of sows and piglets.
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Middelkoop A, van Marwijk MA, Kemp B, Bolhuis JE. Pigs Like It Varied; Feeding Behavior and Pre- and Post-weaning Performance of Piglets Exposed to Dietary Diversity and Feed Hidden in Substrate During Lactation. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:408. [PMID: 31803769 PMCID: PMC6877737 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Timely intake of solid feed is essential to ease the nutritional change from sow's milk to solid feed at weaning and thereby to reduce weaning-related problems. A significant percentage of piglets, however, do not or hardly consume solid feed before weaning. We studied effects of dietary variety and presenting the feed in substrate during lactation on the feeding behavior and performance of piglets up to 2 weeks post-weaning. Feed was provided ad libitum from d4 in two feeders, with four bowls each. In a 2 × 2 arrangement, 40 litters received either creep feed as a monotonous diet (MO) or four feed items simultaneously, i.e., creep feed, celery, cereal honey loops and peanuts, as a diverse diet (DD) and the feed was either provided without (CON) or with substrate (SUB), i.e., sand, in one of the two feeders up to weaning. Dietary diversity highly stimulated feed exploration and eating (≥2.5 times), feed intake and the percentage of (good) eaters from early in lactation, and enhanced piglet growth toward weaning (by 29 g/d), although MO-piglets spent more time eating creep feed from d18. Within MO, SUB-litters consisted of more good eaters than CON-litters. At weaning (d28) four piglets from the same treatment were grouped (n = 40 pens). DD-CON had the highest post-weaning feed intake and gain between d5–15 and the lowest proportion of pigs with higher tail damage scores. However, effects regarding behavior remained inconclusive, as DD-piglets had a lower and higher number of body lesions at 4 h and d15 post-weaning, respectively, spent less time exploring the feed(er) and drinker and environment, and more time nosing pen mates than MO-piglets. SUB-piglets showed a reduction in total post-weaning feed intake, gain (particularly between d0–2) and inactivity, increased levels of manipulation and aggression at week 1 and a higher number of body lesions at 4 h and d15 post-weaning. In conclusion, dietary diversity seems a promising feeding strategy in getting piglets to eat during lactation. Provision of substrate in the feeder subtly stimulated foraging behavior, but negatively impacted post-weaning adaptation, probably because treatments were not reinforced after weaning and piglets thus experienced loss of enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouschka Middelkoop
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Manon A van Marwijk
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - J Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Gomes LM, de Mello Miassi G, Sousa dos Santos L, Anton Dib Saleh M, Sartori JR, Panhoza Tse ML, Antonio Berto D. Impact of two light programs and two levels of dietary tryptophan for weanling piglets. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Nystén M, Orro T, Peltoniemi O. Systemic inflammatory response to shoulder ulcers and lack of preventive effect of postpartum pain medication with ketoprofen in sows. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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18
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Engmann O. Dairy cows - an opportunity in the research field of non-genetic inheritance? ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2018; 4:dvy014. [PMID: 30034822 PMCID: PMC6049035 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvy014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
More than 1 billion cattle are raised annually for meat and milk production. Dairy cows are repeatedly impregnated and separated from their calves, usually within the first 24 h after birth. Here, I suggest that dairy cows undergo a procedure comparable to the 'Maternal separation combined with unpredictable maternal stress' paradigm (MSUS), which is used to study the non-genetic inheritance (NGI) of phenotypes in rodents. I discuss what research on dairy cows may bring to the research field of NGI. The resulting research findings are likely to have benefits to our understanding of MSUS, NGI and consumer safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Engmann
- Brain Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurer Strasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Babicz M, Szyndler-Nędza M, Skrzypczak E, Kasprzyk A. Reproductive Performance of Native Pulawska and High Productivity Polish Landrace Sows in the Context of Stress During the Period of Early Pregnancy. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 51:91-7. [PMID: 26661373 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Experiments revealed that it is necessary to get rid of genotypes RYR1C/T and RYR1T/T because of problems with meat quality and reproduction of gilts and sows. This phenomenon, however, is of individual nature and is characterized by high variability. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of stressogenic factors in native Puławska and high productivity Polish Landrace breed sows during the period of low pregnancy on reproductive performance and maternal behaviour. Sows in the 2nd reproduction cycle were assigned into groups of five animals as follows: control (C) of RYR1 C/C genotype and experimental (E) of RYR1 C/T genotype. In all, 30 Puławska breed sows and 30 PL breed sows were analysed. During the early stage of pregnancy (days 42-84), experimental groups were subjected to the action of stressogenic factors: elevated temperature, noisy and rough treatment of sows by service personnel and immobilization stress. The effect of stressogenic factors was referred to the reproductive performance of sows. Puławska and PL breed sows from the experimental groups were subjected to the evaluation of maternal traits on the basis of perinatal behaviour determined with the help of an ethogram. Analysis of the results of reproduction and the behaviour of the sows confirmed the higher resistance to stressogenic factors of the Puławska breed. The performed analysis of reproduction and behaviour confirmed that heterozygotic genotypes in the RYR1 locus exhibited less advantageous reproduction, which corroborates the hypothesis about a negative impact of the T allele on swine productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Babicz
- Department of Pig Breeding and Production Technology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - M Szyndler-Nędza
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Kraków, Poland
| | - E Skrzypczak
- Department of Pig Breeding and Production, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - A Kasprzyk
- Department of Pig Breeding and Production Technology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Does the environmental background (intensive v. outdoor systems) influence the behaviour of piglets at weaning? Animal 2015; 9:1361-72. [PMID: 25900448 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731115000531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Under intensive pig husbandry, outdoor systems offer a more complex physical and social environment compared with indoor systems (farrowing sheds). As the rearing environment affects behavioural development, it can, therefore, influence behavioural responses of pigs to stressful environments in later stages of production. We tested how the rearing environment influenced behavioural responses to a novel arena test in piglets on the day that they were weaned and mixed into large groups. We recorded video footage and compared the behavioural responses of 30 outdoor-raised and 30 farrowing shed-raised piglets tested in an experimental arena and sequentially exposed to four challenges (each for 5 min) on the day of weaning. Quantitative and qualitative behavioural measures were recorded using time budgets and scoring demeanour or 'qualitative behavioural expression' (using Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA)). When held in isolation (challenge 1), both groups were scored as more 'scared/worried', while outdoor-raised piglets spent more time eating and jumping against the arena walls. Both groups interacted with a plastic ball (challenge 2: exposure to a novel object) during which they were scored as more 'playful/curious' than other challenges. When a food bowl was introduced (challenge 3), farrowing shed-raised piglets were more interested in playing with the food bowl itself, whereas outdoor-raised piglets spent more time eating the feed. Finally, there were no significant differences in social behaviour (challenge 4: introduction of another piglet) between the two groups in terms of the latency to contact each other, amount of time recorded engaged in aggressive/non-aggressive social interactions or QBA scores. Although piglets spent 30% of their time interacting with the other piglet, and half of this time (47%) was engaged in negative interactions (pushing, biting), the levels of aggression were not different between the two groups. Overall, outdoor-raised piglets ate more and were scored as more 'calm/passive', whereas farrowing shed-raised piglets spent more time investigating their environment and were scored as more 'playful/inquisitive'. In conclusion, we did not find differences in behaviour between outdoor-raised and farrowing shed-raised piglets that would highlight welfare issues. The differences found in this study may reflect conflicting affective states, with responses to confinement, neophobia and motivation for exploration evident.
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21
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Andersen HML, Pedersen LJ. Drinking behaviour in sows kept outdoors during the winter months. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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22
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Facilitating ‘learning from mom how to eat like a pig’ to improve welfare of piglets around weaning. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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23
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Telkänranta H, Swan K, Hirvonen H, Valros A. Chewable materials before weaning reduce tail biting in growing pigs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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24
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Oliveira Júnior GM, Ferreira AS, Rodrigues VV, Figueiredo EM, Formigoni AS, Zangeronimo MG, Santos WG, Alvarenga RR. Effect of the type of farrowing room on the welfare and productive performance of lactating sows and of piglets during tropical winter. Anim Sci J 2014; 85:602-10. [PMID: 24612206 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior and performance of sows and piglets kept in different types of farrowing rooms: conventional farrowing room with jugglers and cages (CFR), CFR with a heated floor for the piglets alongside the sows (CFR+HF) and semi-outdoor farrowing room without a cage or heating floor but with access to a fenced field (SFR) during the tropical winter. Twenty-seven multiparous sows were allocated in three treatments and nine repetitions during 21 days. The relative humidity was higher at CFR and CFR+HF. The temperature of thigh and chest in contact with the floor and the neck were higher (P<0.01) in conventional systems. Sows maintained in the CFR spent (P<0.01) more time feeding and drinking. The heating floor increased (P<0.01) the nursing behavior but did not affect (P>0.09) the sows' and piglets' performances. SFR decreased the backfat thickness (P=0.03) and lactation efficiency, but did not affect milk production (P>0.12) or piglet performance (P>0.09). It is concluded that during tropical winter, conventional farrowing systems ensure better piglet performance compared to SFR but this last seems to improve the behavior of sows. The heating floor favors nursing and does not affect the welfare of sows.
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25
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Leeb C, Hegelund L, Edwards S, Mejer H, Roepstorff A, Rousing T, Sundrum A, Bonde M. Animal health, welfare and production problems in organic weaner pigs. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE 2013. [PMCID: PMC7149107 DOI: 10.1007/s13165-013-0054-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the available information on the different health and animal welfare issues in organic pigs in relation to weaning. It addresses the most relevant health and welfare problems and reviews their potential hazards and associated risk factors. Regarding health, problems related to post weaning diarrhoea, cold stress, skin lesions, endoparasites and post weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome are described. Reasons for distress and frustration in weaned piglets are identified as mainly separation from the mother, a new environment, mixing and fear of humans. Finally, hazards and risk factors for health and welfare in organic weaners are related to animal characteristics, housing systems, feed/nutrition and management. Generally, it is concluded that diseases around weaning are multifactorial in nature, with several factors contributing simultaneously as stressors at the time of weaning. In order to solve problems around weaning, the complexity and the individuality of farm systems need to be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Leeb
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lene Hegelund
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Box 50, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Sandra Edwards
- School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Agriculture Building, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Helena Mejer
- Danish Centre for Experimental Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 100, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Allan Roepstorff
- Danish Centre for Experimental Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 100, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Tine Rousing
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Box 50, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Albert Sundrum
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Animal Health, University of Kassel, Nordbahnhofstr. 1a, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - Marianne Bonde
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Box 50, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
- Present Address: Centre of Development for Outdoor Livestock Production, Marsvej 43, 8960 Randers, Denmark
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26
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Rivero J, López I, Hodgkinson S. Pasture consumption and grazing behaviour of European wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) under continuous and rotational grazing systems. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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27
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Juska R, Juskiene V, Leikus R. The influence of a free-range housing system on pig growth, carcass composition and meat quality. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2012.738215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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28
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Piglets' weaning behavioural response is influenced by quality of human-animal interactions during suckling. Animal 2012; 5:1426-31. [PMID: 22440289 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731111000358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the short-term post-weaning behaviour of piglets treated either neutrally or aversively during the suckling period. A total of 24 lactating sows and their litters were housed in different rooms according to treatment. A female experimenter (P1) was in charge of feeding and cleaning from days 10 to 27 after birth. For the aversive treatment (Aver), P1 was noisy, moved harshly and unpredictably and shouted frequently during routine cleaning of facilities and animal handling. For the neutral treatment (Neut), P1 used a soft tone of voice and was careful during the same routine. At weaning, the avoidance response of piglets to an approaching experimenter in a novel place was assessed in four piglets from each litter. Scores ranged from 1 (experimenter could touch piglet) to 4 (piglet escaped as soon as person moved). The test was repeated twice, with a 1-h interval, with P1, who wore blue trousers and white T-shirt, and a second handler unfamiliar to the piglets (P2, who wore blue coveralls). Thereafter, litters from the same treatment were mixed and housed in separate rooms, balanced for gender and live weight (n = 12 groups of 4 piglets/treatment). Behaviour time budgets were registered by scan sampling every 2-min, for 4 h per day, for 4 days. Piglets were weighed at birth, at weaning and on day 5. Effects of treatment and handler on responses to the avoidance test were analysed with non-parametric tests and effects of treatment with a mixed model for repeated measures. Avoidance score was higher for Aver than Neut piglets when tested with P1 (P = 0.04) but not with P2 (P = 0.8). When piglets' responses to the different handlers were compared within each treatment, no significant differences were found. Frequencies of resting were lower (P < 0.001), whereas escape attempts (P < 0.03), agonistic interactions (P < 0.02) and frequency of presence at feeder (P < 0.001) were higher in the Aver than in the Neut groups. Feed and water intake and weight gain did not differ between treatments. We conclude that 4-week-old piglets can discriminate a handler according to the nature of treatment received during suckling. In addition, piglets treated aversively seem to have more difficulty adapting to weaning than those treated neutrally during the suckling period.
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Abstract
Farrowing is an intrinsically risky process for both the sow and the piglets that can cause welfare and economic problems. The effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam on post-farrowing behaviour of sows, and the performance of piglets were investigated. A total of 48 sows were randomly allocated at the day of farrowing (day 0) into two homogeneous groups regarding parity, and treated with either meloxicam or saline solution as placebo. For each sow, number of position changes, total time lying and standing or sitting, feed intake and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded during 3 days after farrowing. Piglets were individually weighed at farrowing and at weaning. The number of position changes did not show significant differences between treatments (P = 0.79). Sows spent significantly less time lying during day +3 after farrowing in the meloxicam group than in the placebo group (P = 0.04). Feed intake and RT showed a parity effect (P < 0.001 in both cases); however, no treatment effect was observed (P = 0.67 and P = 0.47, respectively). Pre-weaning mortality rate in piglets was not affected by treatment. In litters from multiparous sows, piglets of low birth weight (defined as percentile 15: BW <1180 g) had an average daily gain significantly higher in the meloxicam group than in the placebo group (196.6 ± 7.2 v. 166.6 ± 9.1 g/day; P = 0.03). Although the administration of meloxicam 90 min after farrowing showed a positive effect on the total time lying of the sows, additional investigations are required to better qualify relevant indicators of pain following farrowing in sows and to specify the analgesic effects of meloxicam on piglet performance.
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30
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Colson V, Martin E, Orgeur P, Prunier A. Influence of housing and social changes on growth, behaviour and cortisol in piglets at weaning. Physiol Behav 2012; 107:59-64. [PMID: 22691708 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present experiment aimed at evaluating the relative effects of environmental and social changes on behaviour, growth and salivary cortisol of piglets at weaning. On Day 0, 26-day old piglets were weaned and allocated to one of four treatments: neither environmental nor social change (C), environmental change (E), social change (S), and both changes (SE). Overall, 6 replicates of 10-12 animals/pen/treatment were analysed. Piglets were video recorded during the first three days after weaning to observe social behaviour and general activity. Saliva was collected between 07:00 and 09:00 on Day 0 just before weaning (D0H7), on Day 1 (D1H7) and Day 2 (D2H7 and D2H16) to measure cortisol. Saliva cortisol did not change after weaning in C piglets but increased significantly at D1H7 in S and SE piglets, at D2H7 and D2H16 in E and SE piglets. Compared to C piglets, numerous behaviours were altered in SE piglets: more total lying (P<0.08), less lying on the belly, less environmental exploration, less playing, more fighting regardless the day, more lying awake inactive on Day 0 (P<0.05). Compared to C piglets, E piglets displayed more total lying but less environmental exploration whereas S piglets showed less lying on the belly but more fighting (P<0.05). Present results show that moving piglets to a new environment as well as mixing them with unfamiliar conspecifics at weaning have stressful effects which are additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Colson
- INRA, UMR6175, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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31
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The effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour of suckling piglets and lactating sows: A review. Livest Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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32
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Impact of social stress during gestation and environmental enrichment during lactation on the maternal behavior of sows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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33
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de Oliveira Júnior G, Ferreira A, Oliveira R, Silva B, de Figueiredo E, Santos M. Behaviour and performance of lactating sows housed in different types of farrowing rooms during summer. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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34
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Disentangling the effects of weaning stressors on piglets’ behaviour and feed intake: Changing the housing and social environment. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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35
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Effects of environmental enrichment and loose housing of lactating sows on piglet behaviour before and after weaning. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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36
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Nakamura K, Tanaka T, Nishida K, Uetake K. Behavioral indexes of piglet welfare: comparison of indoor and outdoor housing systems. Anim Sci J 2011; 82:161-8. [PMID: 21269375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2010.00806.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to establish behavioral indexes of piglet welfare. Forty-eight piglets were allocated to either four indoor pens or four outdoor pens (six piglets per pen). The indoor system was a commercial pen that consisted of a concrete floor and a slat floor. The outdoor system had a dirt paddock with a wooden hutch. Growth performance, salivary cortisol levels, skin lesions and behaviors of the piglets were monitored for 4 weeks. Sixteen types of behaviors were recorded by using 2-min instantaneous scan sampling for 8 h/day. Growth performance and salivary cortisol levels did not significantly differ between the two housing systems. On the other hand, skin lesions and behaviors were significantly affected by the housing system. The number of skin lesions was higher in the indoor system. In addition, piglets in the outdoor system showed more investigative and social-play behaviors than those in the indoor system. Piglets in the indoor system showed more resting, drinking, moving, fighting, and conflict behaviors than those in the outdoor system. We conclude that investigative, social-play and conflict behaviors may be effective indexes of the welfare level of piglets, especially investigative and conflict behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouzo Nakamura
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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37
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Mainau E, Dalmau A, Ruiz-de-la-Torre JL, Manteca X. A behavioural scale to measure ease of farrowing in sows. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1279-87. [PMID: 20688376 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Revised: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Farrowing is one of the most critical phases in pig production, as it has an impact on neonatal pig survival. Assessing the ease of farrowing can improve the management of sows and thus increase litter survival. The aims of this study were: 1) to develop an ease of farrowing score (EFS) in sows based on the behaviour of the sows and their piglets, and 2) to determine the relationship between the EFS and productive, physiological, and subjective parameters. Eighty hybrid (Large White × Landrace) sows from first to seventh parity housed in individual crates were used. An EFS was constructed using the total duration of farrowing, the birth interval, the total time standing or sitting, the number of position changes during the day before and the day of farrowing, the sow posture at birth, the viability and the position of the piglets at birth (head or back born). Moreover, rectal temperature at 90 min after farrowing, a four categorical subjective visual assessment (VA) of farrowing and litter size (piglets born alive, stillborn and mummified foetus) were recorded. A common factor analysis model yielded five factors with an eigenvalue higher than 0.95 that accounted for 75.05% of the total variation between individuals. The three main factors were "farrowing duration", "sow posture", and "sow activity" of sows and explained 23.44%, 15.67%, and 14.23% of the variance, respectively. Primiparous sows had higher values for factor 3 (sow activity) than multiparous sows (P = 0.02). Sows without stillborn or mummification foetus showed higher values of EFS than sows with at least one stillborn or mummification foetus (P = 0.06 and 0.01, respectively). Sows that received a visual assessment of 3 and 4 showed higher values of EFS than sows that received a VA of 1 and 2 (P = 0.0017). The EFS appears to be a good behavioural scale to measure ease of farrowing in sows kept in individual farrowing crates. Duration of farrowing, sow position, and presence of stillborn piglets and mummified foetuses appear to be important ease of farrowing indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mainau
- Department of Animal and Food Science, School of Veterinary Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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38
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Social behaviour of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) under three space allowances. Anim Welf 2010. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600001627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractCaptive breeding of peccaries is on the increase in neotropical countries. Few studies, however, have reported behavioural responses of wild animals under farmed conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of space allowance on the occurrence of social behaviour patterns on farmed collared peccary (Pecari tajacu). We observed three herds of collared peccaries each containing eight acquainted individuals. Using a 3 * 3 Latin square design, herds were allocated, in a random order, to one of the three experimental enclosures, each with a different size: 375, 750 and 1,500 m2 of total available area, each with three wooden shelters. We recorded all the occurrences of selected positive and agonistic behavioural patterns that occurred 90 min before and during feeding. Enclosure size had a significant effect on agonistic patterns of peccaries during feeding, in that more agonistic behaviour was observed in smaller spaces. We also found that shelter usage increased as space decreased. Differing space allowances, however, did not have an effect on the occurrence of positive interactions that were more frequent before compared to during feeding. We concluded that enclosure size had an effect on the expression of agonistic behaviours and the use of shelters by collared peccaries. Thus, animal welfare can be improved by adopting at least 187.5 m2 per peccary. In addition, our study also confirmed the importance of shelter areas in collared peccary husbandry.
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Oostindjer M, Bolhuis JE, Mendl M, Held S, Gerrits W, van den Brand H, Kemp B. Effects of environmental enrichment and loose housing of lactating sows on piglet performance before and after weaning. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:3554-62. [PMID: 20622185 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-2940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated effects of loose housing of the sow during lactation and enrichment of the pen pre- and postweaning on performance of newly weaned piglets. Before weaning, piglets (n = 320) were housed in an enriched (straw, wood shavings, peat, and branches) or barren pen with a confined or loose-housed sow (n = 32). Loose-housed sows and their piglets could eat together from a family feeder, whereas confined sows and piglets had separate feeding troughs. Piglets (n = 256) were mixed postweaning, and 4 piglets from each litter were relocated to a barren pen (n = 32 pens) and 4 other piglets were housed in an enriched pen (n = 32 pens). Growth from d 15 until weaning was greater for piglets from enriched pens (4.38 ± 0.29 vs. 4.71 ± 0.21 kg/pig, P < 0.05) and tended to be greater for piglets with a loose-housed sow compared with piglets with a confined sow (4.41 ± 0.26 vs. 4.67 ± 0.24 kg/pig, P = 0.10). Preweaning feed intake was not affected by preweaning conditions (P > 0.25). Piglets from enriched preweaning pens ate more in the first 2 d postweaning than piglets from barren pens (first 48 h, barren 0.45 ± 0.05 kg/pig, enriched 0.53 ± 0.04 kg/pig, P < 0.05). Piglets relocated to an enriched pen after weaning showed a greater growth in the 2 wk after weaning (barren 5.5 ± 0.2 kg/pig, enriched 6.2 ± 0.2 kg/pig, P < 0.0001), had a profoundly reduced diarrhea prevalence than piglets housed in barren pens after weaning (barren 2.4 ± 0.4 d, enriched 1.0 ± 0.3 d, P < 0.0001), and had a greater feed efficiency (barren 0.81 ± 0.03, enriched 0.85 ± 0.02, P < 0.05). Enrichment of the preweaning environment likely stimulates development of feeding behaviors and consequently increases feed intake immediately after weaning. Providing piglets with an enriched environment after weaning positively affected postweaning growth, feed efficiency, and incidence of diarrhea, which may be caused by decreased stress or increased gut health. Enrichment of the pre- and postweaning environment seems important in improving performance and health of newly weaned pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oostindjer
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Marijkeweg 40, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Mainau E, Dalmau A, Ruiz-de-la-Torre JL, Manteca X. Validation of an automatic system to detect position changes in puerperal sows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2009.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Baxter EM, Jarvis S, Sherwood L, Robson SK, Ormandy E, Farish M, Smurthwaite KM, Roehe R, Lawrence AB, Edwards SA. Indicators of piglet survival in an outdoor farrowing system. Livest Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2009.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wallenbeck A, Gustafson G, Rydhmer L. Sow performance and maternal behaviour in organic and conventional herds. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/09064700903307824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Høøk Presto M, Algers B, Persson E, Andersson H. Different roughages to organic growing/finishing pigs — Influence on activity behaviour and social interactions. Livest Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Behaviour and performance of pigs finished on deep bedding with wood shavings or rice husks in summer. Anim Welf 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractConcern that excessive temperatures arising from substrate fermentation could have a deleterious effect on voluntary feed intake and weight gain, especially during the hottest times of the year, might be a barrier to the widespread adoption of deep-bedding systems for pig production in Brazil. The aim of this study was to compare the behaviour and performance of pigs reared on deep bedding with two different substrates, wood shavings and rice husks, or in barren, part-slatted, concrete-floored pens (n = 4 pens per treatment), from 60 days of age through to slaughter, during the summer months in Santa Catarina, southwest Brazil. Floor and pigs’ skin temperatures were 2.2 and 3.9% higher, respectively, in the pens with bedding than with concrete flooring; these differences resulted in modest, non-significant effects on performance and meat quality. Certain elements of the behaviour of pigs reared with bedding, such as increased play activity and substrate manipulation and less peer-directed behaviours, indicated improved welfare compared to pigs reared in concrete-floored pens. Performance and meat quality were similar in bedded pens with either wood shavings or rice husks. In both bedding substrates, the animals spent more time lying or standing on the beds than on the concrete platforms, where the feed and the water troughs were located, despite the higher temperature in the substrate compared to the concrete platform; suggesting that such temperature differences were not relevant for the thermal comfort of the animals. These results indicate that both substrates, abundant and readily available in the region, are suitable bedding materials for pigs.
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Sow behaviour during parturition in relation to the observed and the genetic merit for weaning survival. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Development of ingestive behaviour and the relationship to belly nosing in early-weaned piglets. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Erhualian and Pietrain pigs exhibit distinct behavioral, endocrine and biochemical responses during transport. Livest Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2007.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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