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Lucas ME, Hemsworth LM, Hemsworth PH. Review: Early life piglet experiences and impacts on immediate and longer-term adaptability. Animal 2024; 18 Suppl 1:100889. [PMID: 37468352 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100889] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs in production systems are routinely exposed to challenging situations including abrupt weaning, painful husbandry procedures, intense contact with stockpeople, and exposure to novel social and physical environments. The resilience of pigs to these stressors has implications for animal welfare and productivity and can be affected by early life experiences. In rodents and primates, early experiences with stressors that the animal can adequately cope with confers future stress adaptability, leading to less abnormal behaviour, lower behavioural and physiological responses to stressors, and faster recovery after stress exposure. Early experiences that can affect the ability of pigs to overcome challenge include interactions with the dam, conspecifics, humans, and the overall complexity of the environment. Farrowing crates limit the sow's ability to show maternal behaviour towards piglets, and negatively affect piglet social behaviour during lactation, with less play and more manipulation of pen mates in crates than in large pens. Rearing in pens has been proposed to improve the ability of pigs to cope with routine stressors, but the evidence for this is conflicting. The early housing environment can affect general fearfulness and fear of humans, and surprisingly, most studies have shown fear responses to be greater in pigs reared pens than in crates. Given the potential for fear to affect animal welfare and productivity, more detailed research on early housing effects is needed. While there is limited evidence that early housing influences fear in the longer term, human contact early in life appears to have a more profound and sustained effect, with regular positive human interaction early in life having an enduring effect on reducing pigs' fear of humans. The practicality of positive human-pig interaction in a commercial environment needs to be examined further, but only a small amount of positive human contact early in life can improve the resilience of pigs to routine husbandry stressors. Early social experience with non-littermates reduces stress at weaning and mixing, while early weaning before 3-4 weeks of age increases abnormal behaviours. Environmental enrichment, such as foraging substrates and increased floor space, reduces abnormal behaviour in piglets, but housing in an enriched environment early in life and subsequently in a non-enriched environment can increase abnormal behaviour if these environments are dramatically different. Although the later environment can modify the influence of the early environment, overall, early life experiences can be important in shaping how pigs cope with stress in both an immediate and longer-term capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Lucas
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - L M Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - P H Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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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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Lucas ME, Hemsworth LM, Butler KL, Morrison RS, Tilbrook AJ, Marchant JN, Rault JL, Galea RY, Hemsworth PH. Early human contact and housing for pigs - part 1: responses to humans, novelty and isolation. Animal 2024; 18:101164. [PMID: 38761440 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101164] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of fear and stress responses in animals can be influenced by early life experiences, including interactions with humans, maternal care, and the physical surroundings. This paper is the first of three reporting on a large experiment examining the effects of the early housing environment and early positive human contact on stress resilience in pigs. This first paper reports on the responses of pigs to humans, novelty, and social isolation. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 48 litters of pigs were reared in either a conventional farrowing crate (FC) where the sow was confined or a loose farrowing pen (LP; PigSAFE pen) which was larger, more physically complex and allowed the sow to move freely throughout the farrowing and lactation period. Piglets were provided with either routine contact from stockpeople (C), or routine contact plus regular opportunities for positive human contact (+HC) involving 5 min of scratching, patting and stroking imposed to the litter 5 days/week from 0-4 weeks of age. The positive handling treatment was highly effective in reducing piglets' fear of humans, based on +HC piglets showing greater approach and less avoidance of an unfamiliar person at 3 weeks of age. There was evidence that this reduction in fear of humans lasted well beyond when the treatment was applied (lactation), with +HC pigs showing greater approach and less avoidance of humans in tests at 6, 9 and 14 weeks of age. The +HC treatment also reduced piglets' fear of a novel object at 3 weeks of age, and for pigs in FC, the cortisol response after social isolation at 7 weeks of age. Rearing in FC compared to LP reduced piglets' fear of novelty at 3 weeks of age, as well as their vocalisations and cortisol response to isolation at 7 weeks of age. The FC pigs showed greater approach and less avoidance of humans compared to LP pigs at 3, 4 and 6 weeks of age, but not at 9 and 14 weeks of age. These results show that positive handling early in life can reduce pigs' fear of humans, fear of novelty and physiological stress response to social isolation. The LP pigs were reared in a more isolated environment with less overall contact with stockpeople and other pigs, which may have increased their fear responses to humans and novel situations, suggesting that different housing systems can modulate these pigs' responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Lucas
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - L M Hemsworth
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - K L Butler
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - R S Morrison
- Rivalea Australia Pty Ltd, Corowa, Victoria 2464, Australia
| | - A J Tilbrook
- Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - J N Marchant
- Organic Plus Trust, Alexandria, VA 22302, USA; A World of Good Initiative Inc., Dover, DE 19901, USA
| | - J-L Rault
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna A-1210, Austria
| | - R Y Galea
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - P H Hemsworth
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Sánchez-Salcedo JA, Yáñez-Pizaña A. Effects of free farrowing system on the productive performance and welfare of sows and piglets. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:1-11. [PMID: 34994264 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.2008935] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Regardless of international animal welfare regulations, most sows in production currently spend most of their lives and the peripartum period in caged housing systems. Although this type of management is intended to reduce neonatal mortality in piglets, several studies consider that there has been no significant reduction in its incidence over the last 30 years. On the contrary, cage housing has promoted the appearance of alterations during the farrowing process such as dystocia, as well as in maternal behavior and health, promoting stereotypes, skin lesions and other alterations, which not only impact the sows but also their progeny during the lactational period. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to compare the productive performance and welfare of sows and their piglets within the farrowing, lactation, and post-weaning period in both traditional and free-farrowing systems, highlighting the differences in these indicators in each of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Sánchez-Salcedo
- Facultad de Ingeniería En Sistemas de Producción Agropecuaria, Universidad Veracruzana, Acayucan, México
| | - Ariadna Yáñez-Pizaña
- Escuela de Ciencias de La Salud, Medicina Veterinaria Y Zootecnia, Universidad Del Valle de México, Coyoacán, México
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Lagoda ME, O’Driscoll K, Galli MC, Cerón JJ, Ortín-Bustillo A, Marchewka J, Boyle LA. Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part II: Effects on physiological measures, reproductive performance and health of the offspring. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e52. [PMID: 38487422 PMCID: PMC10936399 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal stress is the mechanism through which poor welfare of pregnant sows has detrimental effects on the health and resilience of their piglets. We compared two gestation housing systems (IMPROVED versus [conventional] CONTROL) in terms of sow stress and welfare indicators and sought to determine whether potential benefits to the sows would translate into improved offspring health. Sows were mixed into 12 stable groups (six groups per treatment, 20 sows per group) 29 days post-service in pens with free-access, full-length individual feeding/lying-stalls. CONTROL pens had fully slatted concrete floors, with two blocks of wood and two chains suspended in the group area. IMPROVED pens were the same but with rubber mats and manila rope in each stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Saliva was collected from each sow on day 80 of pregnancy and analysed for haptoglobin. Hair cortisol was measured in late gestation. Sows' right and left eyes were scored for tear staining in mid lactation and at weaning. Numbers of piglets born alive, dead, mummified, and total born were recorded. Piglets were weighed and scored for vitality and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) at birth. Presence of diarrhoea in farrowing pens was scored every second day throughout the suckling period. IMPROVED sows had lower haptoglobin levels and tear-stain scores during lactation. IMPROVED sows produced fewer mummified piglets, and these had significantly lower IUGR scores, and scored lower for diarrhoea than piglets of CONTROL sows. Hence, improving sow welfare during gestation improved the health and performance of their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna E Lagoda
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Behaviour, ul. Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec 05-552
| | - Keelin O’Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria C Galli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - José J Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100Murcia, Spain
| | - Alba Ortín-Bustillo
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100Murcia, Spain
| | - Joanna Marchewka
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Behaviour, ul. Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec 05-552
| | - Laura A Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
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Gavaud S, Haurogné K, Buchet A, Garcia Vinado I, Allard M, Lehébel A, Leblanc-Maridor M, Bach JM, Belloc C, Lieubeau B, Hervé J. Effects of improved early-life conditions on health, welfare, and performance of pigs raised on a conventional farm. Animal 2023; 17:100810. [PMID: 37172358 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, most pigs are raised indoors, on intensive farms providing a poor environment. In these conditions, the risk of the occurrence of damaging behaviours is high, with dramatic consequences for animal health and welfare as well as economic losses for farmers. Early-life conditions may predispose individuals to develop damaging behaviours later in life. In contrast, reinforcing affiliative behaviours between piglets before weaning might help to prevent tail-biting episodes. In this field study, we aimed at improving early-life conditions of piglets on a commercial farm by completely suppressing painful procedures and staggering their exposure to weaning stress factors. The alternative early-life management strategy combined housing in free-farrowing pens with temporary crating of the sow, socialisation during the lactation period with whole-life maintenance of the hierarchical groups, and delayed transfer to the postweaning room after sow removal. Control conditions included birth in farrowing crates, tail docking, absence of socialisation during the lactation period, abrupt weaning with immediate transfer to the postweaning room and mixing with non-littermates. We evaluated the health, welfare, and performance of alternatively raised pigs (n = 80) as compared to controls (n = 75). Visits were made throughout the lifespan of individuals to evaluate their growth and health status. Body and tail lesions were scored as proxy measures of aggressiveness and impaired welfare. Blood and bristle samples were periodically collected to evaluate stress, inflammation and immune competence. While the whole-life performance of pigs was similar among groups, the alternative early-life conditions prevented the growth slowdown usually observed after weaning. In addition, alternatively raised pigs displayed more neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes the day after weaning, as well as higher C-Reactive Protein levels. One week later, their monocytes displayed greater phagocytic capacity. Altogether, these data suggest an enhanced innate immune competence for alternatively raised pigs around weaning. Piglets reared under alternative conditions also exhibited fewer and less severe body lesions than standard pigs, one week after weaning. In contrast, they showed more tail lesions on days 36 and 66 associated with greater levels of acute phase proteins (C-Reactive Protein and haptoglobin). To conclude, alternative early-life management better prepared piglets for weaning. However, the whole-life maintenance of early-established social groups was not sufficient to prevent the occurrence of damaging behaviours in undocked pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gavaud
- Oniris, INRAE, IECM, Nantes, France
| | | | - A Buchet
- Cooperl Innovation, Lamballe, France
| | | | - M Allard
- Oniris, INRAE, IECM, Nantes, France
| | - A Lehébel
- Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, Nantes, France
| | | | - J M Bach
- Oniris, INRAE, IECM, Nantes, France
| | - C Belloc
- Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, Nantes, France
| | | | - J Hervé
- Oniris, INRAE, IECM, Nantes, France.
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McIlfatrick S, O’Leary S, Okada T, Penn A, Nguyen VHT, McKenny L, Huang SY, Andreas E, Finnie J, Kirkwood R, St. John JC. Does supplementation of oocytes with additional mtDNA influence developmental outcome? iScience 2023; 26:105956. [PMID: 36711242 PMCID: PMC9876745 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105956] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introducing extra mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into oocytes at fertilization can rescue poor quality oocytes. However, supplementation alters DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of preimplantation embryos. To determine if these alterations impacted offspring, we introduced mtDNA from failed-to-mature sister (autologous) or third party (heterologous) oocytes into mature oocytes and transferred zygotes into surrogates. Founders exhibited significantly greater daily weight gain (heterologous) and growth rates (heterologous and autologous) to controls. In weaners, cholesterol, bilirubin (heterologous and autologous), anion gap, and lymphocyte count (autologous) were elevated. In mature pigs, potassium (heterologous) and bicarbonate (autologous) were altered. mtDNA and imprinted gene analyses did not reveal aberrant profiles. Neither group exhibited gross anatomical, morphological, or histopathological differences that would lead to clinically significant lesions. Female founders were fertile and their offspring exhibited modified weight and height gain, biochemical, and hematological profiles. mtDNA supplementation induced minor differences that did not affect health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen McIlfatrick
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Sean O’Leary
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Takashi Okada
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Alexander Penn
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Vy Hoang Thao Nguyen
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Lisa McKenny
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Shang-Yu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Eryk Andreas
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - John Finnie
- University Veterinarian & AWO, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Roy Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Justin C. St. John
- Mitochondrial Genetics Group, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia,Corresponding author
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Baxter EM, Moustsen VA, Goumon S, Illmann G, Edwards SA. Transitioning from crates to free farrowing: A roadmap to navigate key decisions. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:998192. [PMID: 36452143 PMCID: PMC9701704 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.998192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There are animal welfare concerns about the continued use of permanent crating systems for farrowing and lactating sows, which is the most prevalent maternity system in global pig production. Greater societal attention in recent years has culminated in changes (or proposed changes) to regulations as well as market-driven initiatives to move away from crated systems. Transitioning from farrowing crates to systems that allow the sow greater freedom of movement and behavioral expression requires a number of key decisions, with various trade-offs apparent when trying to balance the needs of different stakeholders. This review discusses these decisions based on common questions asked by farmers, policy makers and other stakeholders when deciding on a new system to build/approve. Based on the latest scientific evidence and practical insight, decisions such as: whether to retrofit an existing barn or build a new one, what spatial dimensions are necessary per sow place, whether to adopt free farrowing or temporary crating, how to provide substrate/enrichment and be hygienic and environmentally friendly, and how to optimize the human inputs and transition between systems are considered. The aim of this paper is to provide a roadmap for those interested in uptake of higher welfare systems and practices, as well as to highlight areas requiring further optimization and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Baxter
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sébastien Goumon
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gudrun Illmann
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sandra A. Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Freedom to Move: Free Lactation Pens Improve Sow Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141762. [PMID: 35883309 PMCID: PMC9311877 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141762] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Farrowing crates present a major animal welfare problem. This study investigated the effects of temporary confinement at farrowing on sow welfare and aimed to determine whether this type of system could improve sow welfare through increased freedom of movement. Sows were housed in one of two farrowing accommodation treatments: conventional farrowing crates (Control) or free lactation pens (Free). Sows in the Control treatment were confined from entry to weaning, a period of five weeks. Sows in the Free treatment were temporarily confined from before farrowing (approximately 24 h) until day 4 post-partum, after which time the crate was opened, and they had increased freedom of movement. Sow physical measures (weight, back-fat thickness, hoof score, locomotion score and tear stain score) were measured at entry to farrowing accommodation and at weaning. Salivary cortisol concentration was measured throughout lactation. Farrowing duration and sow posture (Days 1, 3, 7 and 34 after entry) were recorded. Between entry and weaning, locomotion scores significantly increased for sows housed in the Control treatment compared with those housed in Free lactation pens (p < 0.01). Sows in the Free treatment were observed to use all orientations in the pen, showing that when more space is made available to them, they will choose to utilise the space. Tear staining under the left eye was found to be less in Free sows at weaning (p = 0.05), indicating reduced stress. However, salivary cortisol concentration was higher in Free sows overall; cortisol is affected by both positive and negative stimuli, and so, this may be due to factors other than stress, such as higher levels of activity and mental stimulation. These results suggest that free lactation pens can benefit sow welfare; increased freedom of movement throughout lactation can improve sow locomotory health, and as suggested by improved tear stain scores, sow stress levels may be reduced in this type of system compared with conventional farrowing crates.
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Goumon S, Illmann G, Moustsen VA, Baxter EM, Edwards SA. Review of Temporary Crating of Farrowing and Lactating Sows. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:811810. [PMID: 35372543 PMCID: PMC8969568 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.811810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporary crating (TC) provides lactating sows with the opportunity to move more freely after crate opening a few days after parturition. The aim of this paper was to evaluate whether TC gives overall welfare improvement when compared to permanent crating or free farrowing. This review shows that when pens with TC allow the sows to turn during the majority of time in the farrowing unit, it is the pen design and period of confinement in a crate within it that influence the extent to which different functional and motivated behaviors can be fulfilled. This review also indicates that there are at least short-term benefits to sows when confinement is reduced, as shown by reported increases in motivated behaviors such as exploration and interactions with piglets when not permanently crated. It remains unclear whether there are any longer-term beneficial effects (until or beyond weaning) due to the paucity of studies. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the observed short-term benefits translate to other welfare indicators. Research findings indicate no reduction in the frequency of stereotypies or body lesions and do not provide a clear answer regarding sow stress response when released from confinement. Compared to free farrowing, TC appears beneficial for reducing piglet mortality. The impact of the time of onset of TC on the farrowing process and piglet mortality have been inconsistent. While confinement before farrowing prevents nest building behavior, consequences of this for sow physiology have been ambiguous. Confining the sow briefly after farrowing may be the best compromise, allowing the sow to perform motivated nest-building behavior, but the risks of crushing during the unconfined farrowing period may increase. Subsequent crate reopening seems to increase piglet mortality but only if done earlier than 3–5 days after farrowing. The review also provides methodological considerations, a proposal for consistent and accurate terminology when describing systems and highlights gaps of knowledge. In conclusion, TC is a step forward to better pig welfare compared to the farrowing crate, as it allows some freedom of movement for sows without impairing piglet welfare. However, more comprehensive research is needed to draw sound conclusions as to whether TC is a viable transition from permanent crating to free farrowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Goumon
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sébastien Goumon
| | - Gudrun Illmann
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Emma M. Baxter
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra A. Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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"Mothers Should Have Freedom of Movement"-Citizens' Attitudes Regarding Farrowing Housing Systems for Sows and Their Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123439. [PMID: 34944216 PMCID: PMC8698166 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123439] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Housing systems with increased freedom of movement for the sow have been proposed to replace farrowing crates. However, increased piglet mortality by crushing is the main barrier to the adoption of loose systems. Although animal welfare is a socially constructed concept, no study has investigated public opinion about alternative farrowing systems. We investigated Brazilian citizens’ attitudes towards farrowing crates, loose pens, and outdoor farrowing systems, and whether the increased risk of piglet mortality by crushing would influence the acceptability of loose pens to replace the crates. Attitudes towards loose farrowing were more negative than those towards outdoor housing, and more positive than those towards crates, with only a minor change when increased piglet mortality was considered. Participants had concerns about the sows’ restriction of movement in the crates, which they considered cruel and unnatural, and considered outdoor farrowing as the closest to the natural life of pigs. Importantly, loose pens did not address all participants’ concerns about farrowing housing systems, especially socialization between sows and expression of maternal behaviors. Our findings indicate that the development of alternative farrowing housing systems is necessary, but it has to be in line with the public’s expectations to be socially sustainable. Abstract Farrowing crates are the most common housing for lactating sows throughout the world, despite known public opposition to housing systems that deprive animals’ freedom to move. This study aimed to investigate Brazilian citizens’ attitudes towards three farrowing housing systems (crates, loose pens, and outdoors). Data were obtained via an online questionnaire containing open- and close-ended questions. Participants’ (n = 1171) attitudes were most negative towards the crates and most positive towards outdoor farrowing, and positively correlated with perceived sows’ quality of life. Participants overwhelmingly rejected the use of farrowing crates, and most supported a proposal to move from farrowing crates to loose pens, even when informed that this entailed an increased risk of piglets’ mortality. Participants’ views were underpinned by concerns about sows’ freedom of movement, behavioral freedom and naturalness, and the belief that it is possible to develop and manage housing that prevents piglet crushing that does not involve confining the sow. Furthermore, loose farrowing pens may not fully address all concerns expressed by participants regarding farrowing housing, which included the possibility of allowing sows to socialize and express maternal behaviors. We conclude that maintaining farrowing crates may erode the pig industry’s social license.
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Jackson C. Discussing the use of farrowing crates. IN PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/inpr.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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