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Carnevale RF, Muro BBD, Leal DF, Alves LKS, Monteiro MS, Gomes NAC, Pereira FA, Ferreira FNA, Neta CSS, Watanabe TTN, Almond GW, Garbossa CAP. The effects of feeding sows at onset of farrowing supplemental energy (blend of carbohydrates and glycerol) on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality. Animal 2024; 18:101104. [PMID: 38417217 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101104] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Delivering piglets is one of the most energy-demanding activities sows undergo in their lifetime. Sows can have myometrial contractions from 2 to 12 h before the first piglet is expelled as well as a nest-building behavior. Thus, when the first piglet is delivered, the female has already used part of her energy supply. When the sow gets exhausted due to lack of energy, the farrowing process can be interrupted, causing damage to the viability and vitality of the piglets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of feeding sows an energy supplement at the onset of farrowing on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality. The energy supplement consisted of a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol which provides 439 kJ of metabolizable energy per kg of metabolic weight. A total of 180 sows were used. At the onset of farrowing, sows were assigned to one of the following treatments: sows that were not supplied energy at the onset of farrowing, serving as controls (CON, n = 85); sows fed the energy supplement at the onset of farrowing (ESP, n = 95). Farrowing kinetics, blood glucose concentration, and piglet vitality were recorded for each sow. Blood glucose concentration was assessed by puncturing the auricular vein and using a portable glucometer at four different time points: after the birth of the 1st piglet (T0), and at 20 (T20), 40 (T40), 80 (T80), and 180 (T180) min after the birth of the 1st piglet. The vitality of the 1st, 6th, 12th, 17th, and 20th piglet born was evaluated using the Apgar score. Piglet birth weight and average colostrum intake were measured. The farrowing duration was 20 min shorter (P < 0.05) for ESP sows in comparison with CON sows. Sows from ESP treatment had higher (P ≤ 0.05) blood glucose concentration at T20 and T40 compared to the CON sows. The inter-piglet birth interval was shortened (P < 0.05) by 14 min between the 1st and 2nd piglet for the ESP treatment. The 17th and 20th piglets born from ESP sows had higher (P < 0.05) Apgar score compared to piglets of the same birth order from CON sows. Colostrum intake was higher (P < 0.01) for piglets born from ESP sows. Litter growth performance did not differ (P > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol as an energy supplement for farrowing sows improved farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality score.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Carnevale
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - B B D Muro
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | | | - L K S Alves
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - M S Monteiro
- Nerthus Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento LTDA, São Carlos, SP 13563-651, Brazil
| | - N A C Gomes
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - F A Pereira
- Technical Services Department, Agroceres Multimix, Rio Claro, SP 13502-741, Brazil
| | - F N A Ferreira
- Technical Services Department, Agroceres Multimix, Rio Claro, SP 13502-741, Brazil
| | - C S S Neta
- Technical Services Department, Agroceres Multimix, Rio Claro, SP 13502-741, Brazil
| | - T T N Watanabe
- Department of Population Health & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - G W Almond
- Department of Population Health & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - C A P Garbossa
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
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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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Schoos A, Muro BBD, Carnevale RF, Chantziaras I, Biebaut E, Janssens GPJ, Maes D. Relationship between piglets' survivability and farrowing kinetics in hyper-prolific sows. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:37. [PMID: 37641115 PMCID: PMC10464185 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged farrowing and more piglets born with low birth weight are undesirable consequences of genetic selection for increased litter size. The objective of the present observational study was to evaluate the relationship between piglets' survivability and farrowing kinetics in hyperprolific sows. A total of 58 sows of different parities and 1190 piglets were included. The entire farrowing process was monitored and the following parameters were recorded: inter-piglet birth interval, birth order, total born, live born, dead born, and mummified piglets, obstetric intervention, weight at birth and 24h, colostrum yield and intake. RESULTS The sows included in this study had on average 20.6 ± 0.6 total piglets born, of which 16.4 ± 0.6 were live born, 3.3 ± 0.4 were stillborn and 0.9 ± 0.2 were mummified piglets. The average farrowing duration and average birth interval were 411.3 ± 31.6 and 20.6 ± 1.7 min, respectively. Farrowing duration was positively associated (p < 0.05) with parity, number of stillborn and mummified piglets. Piglet mortality 24h after birth was negatively affected (p < 0.01) by birth weight and positively affected (p < 0.01) by cumulative birth interval. The last tercile of piglets born (birth order ≥ 17) had the highest (p < 0.01) inter-piglet birth interval (IPBI) (43.4 ± 4.17 min) compared to piglets born in the first (birth order between 2 and 7) (26.5 ± 3.8 min) and second (birth order between 8 and 16) terciles (21.9 ± 3.8 min). Cumulative birth interval, birth weight, occurrence of stillborn piglets and manual intervention were positively associated (p < 0.05) with IPBI. Piglet birth weight was also positively associated (p < 0.01) to individual colostrum intake. Piglets ingesting more colostrum had lower (p < 0.01) mortality from 24h after birth until weaning. Sow's parity and cumulative birth interval were positively associated with the presence of stillborn piglets (p = 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION Reducing farrowing duration may be crucial to decrease stillbirth rate and neonatal mortality in hyperprolific sows. Moreover, special care must be provided to the lighter piglets within a litter to increase their colostrum intake and minimize piglet's mortality throughout lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schoos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bruno Bracco Donatelli Muro
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafaella Fernandes Carnevale
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelien Biebaut
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Paul Jules Janssens
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Lagoda ME, O’Driscoll K, Galli MC, Marchewka J, Boyle LA. Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part I: Effects on behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e51. [PMID: 38487409 PMCID: PMC10938266 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Commercial gestation housing systems for sows generally fail to cater fully for their needs in terms of comfort or the ability to perform highly motivated behaviours, which can lead to chronic stress and an impairment to welfare. We compared a typical gestation system (CONTROL) with an IMPROVED one as regards oral stereotypies, aggressive behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. 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 a length of manila rope in each feeding stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Direct observations of oral stereotypical (30 instantaneous scans per sow per day) and aggressive (all-occurrence sampling, 3 h per sow per day) behaviours were conducted 72 h post-mixing, in mid and late gestation. Skin lesions were counted 24 h and three weeks post-mixing, and in late gestation. Sows' locomotion (locomotory ability) was scored using a visual analogue scale in mid and late gestation. Right and left eye tear staining was scored in late gestation. Indications of better welfare in IMPROVED sows included performance of fewer oral stereotypies in mid and late gestation, and lower tear stain scores. These sows performed more aggression in late gestation, which was associated with access to enrichment, but skin lesion counts were not affected. Thus, the changes made in the IMPROVED treatment benefitted aspects of sow welfare.
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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
| | - 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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Carnevale RF, Muro BBD, Pierozan CR, Monteiro MS, Leal DF, Poor AP, Alves LKS, Gomes NAC, Silva CA, Maes D, Janssens GPJ, Almond GW, Garbossa CAP. Peripheral glycemia and farrowing traits in pigs: An observational study. Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
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Markland L, Johnson JS, Richert BT, Erasmus MA, Lay DC. Investigating the effects of jute nesting material and enriched piglet mats on sow welfare and piglet survival. Transl Anim Sci 2023; 7:txad076. [PMID: 37476419 PMCID: PMC10355795 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad076] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Domesticated sows are motivated to perform nesting behavior prior to farrowing, and nesting material can reduce piglet cold stress. However, nesting material may not be practical in most production systems due to the potential for clogging slurry systems. Therefore, the study objectives were to assess an alternative nesting material provided prior to farrowing on sow welfare and piglet survival, and to investigate the effect of the entire nesting environment on piglet survival and growth performance. We hypothesized that the provision of jute nesting material would decrease sow stress and farrowing duration, and that nesting mat provision would allow piglets to remain euthermic and improve survival and growth. Sows (N = 20) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: a farrowing crate with three pieces of 40.6 × 21.6 cm jute nesting material (Nest; n = 10) and two enriched piglet mats made from an acrylic board (28.0 × 86.4 cm) covered with a microfiber material, or a farrowing crate without nesting material (Control; n = 10) and one standard plastic piglet mat (28.0 × 86.4 cm). Jute pieces were attached to the front of the crate to prevent substrate from falling through the slatted floors. Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA), on days -1, 0, 1, and 2 relative to farrowing, and a final sample was collected at weaning (day 16.9 ± 0.18). Blood was collected from four piglets per litter to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG) at 48 h, day 7, and weaning. Piglet skin temperature (TS) was measured on two piglets per litter using an infrared camera for 3 d after birth at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h. One piglet was randomly chosen from the heat lamp and nonheat lamp side of the crate to measure TS. Video was continuously coded for observations of jute- and crate-directed interactions. Data were analyzed as a mixed model analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. Nest sows performed less crate-directed behavior than Control sows (P = 0.02). Cortisol tended to be reduced in Nest sows (P = 0.08) when compared to Controls, but no differences in IgA concentrations (P > 0.40) were detected. Nest piglets tended to be heavier on day 7 (P < 0.10), had greater IgG concentrations (P = 0.03), and had greater TS (P = 0.02) versus Controls. No farrowing duration or number of stillbirth differences were observed (P > 0.70). The jute material and piglet nests positively impacted sow welfare and piglet measures but did not translate into improved piglet survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Markland
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jay S Johnson
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Brian T Richert
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Marisa A Erasmus
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Donald C Lay
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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7
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Diehl B, Oster M, Vernunft A, Wimmers K, Bostedt H. Intrinsic challenges of neonatal adaptation in swine. Arch Anim Breed 2022; 65:427-438. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-65-427-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The losses of piglets in commercial pig farming remain at
concerning levels and need to be addressed through the implementation of new
sustainable breeding and management strategies. In fact, piglets are
especially at risk in the first days of life. Both genetics and the
farrowing process have been shown to impact piglet vitality. In addition,
knowledge of the animal-intrinsic responses in adapting to extra-uterine
life is particularly important but is scarcely described in the scientific
literature. In this review, the three phases that constitute neonatal
adaptation in the pig are systematically presented. The first phase of early
adaptation involves primarily the development of cardiorespiratory function
(within the first 10 min of life) as well as thermoregulatory processes
and acid–base balance (up to 24 h of life). In the second phase,
homeostasis is established, and organ maturation takes place (up to 14 d
post natum). The final third phase aims at the development of neurological,
immunological and muscular features (up to 28 d of life). The involvement
of aggravating and ameliorating factors such as dystocia, low colostrum
yield and heat supply is key to the development of strategies to reduce
piglet losses and increase vitality. The insights are of particular value in
addressing current concerns in pig farming and to further improve animal
welfare in pig production across different management types.
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8
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Monteiro MS, Muro BB, Carnevale RF, Poor AP, Araújo KM, Viana CH, Almond GW, Moreno AM, Garbossa CA, Leal DF. The Beneficial Effects of Providing Prepartum Sows With Nesting Materials on Farrowing Traits, Piglet Performance and Maternal Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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9
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Oczak M, Bayer F, Vetter SG, Maschat K, Baumgartner J. Where is the sow’s nose: RetinaNet object detector as a basis for monitoring the use of rack with nest-building material. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.913407] [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
Access to nest-building material in the preparturient period is beneficial for sows’ welfare. However, on slatted floors, long-stem forage can drop into the slurry and block the drainage system. As a compromise considering the needs of sows for access to adequate nest-building material, farrowing pens with slatted floors are equipped with dispensers (racks) accessible by sows. In this study, we developed a computer vision method to monitor the use of the racks with nest-building material. In total, 12 sows were included in the experiment from 5 days before farrowing to the end of farrowing. Hay rack use behaviors were labeled for all the sows, i.e., pulling hay, nose close to the rack, exploratory behavior, and bar biting. The object detection algorithm RetinaNet was used to extract centroids of parts of the sow’s body and the hay rack. Several feature variables were estimated from the centroids of detected parts of the sow’s body, and random forest was used for the classification of hay rack use behaviors. The model for the detection of pulling hay behavior had the best performance: 83.5% sensitivity, 98.7% specificity, and 98.6% accuracy. The distance between the sows’ nose and the hay rack was the most important feature variable, which indicated the importance of nose location for the recognition of behaviors in which pigs interact with other objects. The developed models could be applied for automated monitoring of the use of nest-building material in preparturient sows. Such monitoring might be especially important in sows housed on slatted floors.
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10
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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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11
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Johnson AK, Rault JL, Marchant JN, Baxter EM, O'Driscoll K. Improving young pig welfare on-farm: The Five Domains Model. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6583200. [PMID: 35536191 PMCID: PMC9202571 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac164] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering welfare through the "neonatal and nursery pig perspective" is an exciting approach, and one that resonates with consumers. Overlaying this with the Five Domains Model, as we suggest in this review, points to practical on-farm improvements that provide each pig the opportunity to experience positive mental states. The Five Domains Model is broken into physical and functional states, that includes Domain 1 Nutrition, Domain 2 Physical Environment, Domain 3 Health and, Domain 4 Behavioral Interaction, and Domain 5 Mental State. The Five Domains Model can build on the breadth and depth of swine welfare science to highlight opportunities to improve welfare on-farm. In Domain 1 management of increasingly large litters is considered, with examples of sow vs. artificial rearing, colostrum quality and quantity, and creep feed management strategies. Efforts can result in positive mental states such as feeling full and content and the ability to experience pleasure of drinking and food tastes/smells. Domain 2 considers space complexity and access to key resources, along with thermal and physical amenities, to promote feelings of physical comfort. Domain 3 considers pig health in three broad, yet inter-linking categories, (a) congenital and hereditary health, (b) environmental pathogen load and, (c) colostrum quality and quantity, and its effect on the microbiome. Improvements can result in a pig that displays vitality and feels healthy. Domain 4 provides the pig opportunities to express its rich behavioral repertoire, specifically positive social interactions, play, and exploration. These efforts can result in pigs feeling calm, safe, comfortable, having companionship, engaged, interested and rewarded. In conclusion, using the Five Domains Model can highlight numerous opportunities to improve current and future housing and management through the "neonatal and nursery pig perspective" with a focus on inducing positive mental states that can result in improved quality of life and welfare state.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Johnson
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50001, USA.,Iowa Pork Industry Center, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50001, USA
| | - J-L Rault
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, A-1210, Austria
| | - J N Marchant
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - E M Baxter
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - K O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork, P61 C997, Ireland
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12
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Plush KJ, Nowland TL. Disentangling the behavioural and fibre influences of nesting enrichment for sows on piglet survival. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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The effect of hessian and straw as nesting materials on sow behaviour and piglet survival and growth to weaning. Animal 2021; 15:100273. [PMID: 34171569 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sows are strongly driven to build a nest prior to farrowing, and the performance of this behaviour is linked to the environment in which the animal is housed. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of two nest-building materials, hessian and straw, on peri-parturient sow behaviour, plasma cortisol concentration and piglet survival and performance in farrowing crates. In the first experiment, sows (parity 1.7 ± 0.1) were allocated to four treatments: (n = 15), straw provided in the lead up to farrowing in an open farrowing pen, with the pen closed after farrowing (STRAW OPEN); (n = 14), straw provided in the lead up to farrowing in a closed farrowing pen (STRAW CLOSED); (n = 15), a closed farrowing pen with hessian sacks provided in the lead up to farrowing (HESSIAN) and; (n = 13), a closed farrowing pen with no nesting materials provided (CONTROL). A second experiment was performed on a separate farm to assess the effect of the same four treatments were applied to sows (parity 2.9 ± 0.1): SRAW OPEN (n = 68), STRAW CLOSED (n = 64), HESSIAN (n = 66) and CONTROL (n = 66), at a commercial level. The first experiment revealed that providing conventionally housed sows with straw or hessian in the lead up to parturition stimulated sows to perform nest-building behaviours similar to sows housed in an open pen with access to straw (nosing events; 16 ± 11 (CONTROL); 169 ± 36 (HESSIAN); 118 ± 29 (STRAW CLOSED); 199 ± 53 (STRAW OPEN); P < 0.05). Additionally, crated sows provided with straw had reduced cortisol levels immediately after farrowing compared to all other treatments (21.9 ± 6.1 ng/ml vs CONTROL; 49.3 ± 8.6 ng/ml; P < 0.01). Piglets born to STRAW CLOSED sows displayed the highest colostrum intake levels (404.8 ± 22.7 g vs CONTROL 361.9 ± 21.9 g; P < 0.01). The second experiment demonstrated a reduced incidence of piglet mortality both prior to fostering (0.7 ± 0.2; P = 0.001) and after fostering (0.7 ± 0.2; P = 0.001) in litters born to sows which were housed in conventional farrowing crates and provided with straw compared to CONTROL (prior to fostering 1.3 ± 0.2, and postfostering 1.1 ± 0.2). In conclusion, straw and hessian sacks are a suitable substrate for stimulating sows to exhibit nest-building behaviour under crated conditions. However, only the provision of straw in the crate environment improved piglet survival and positively affected sow welfare.
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Zhitnitskiy PE, Terreaux CMHA, Phillips HN, Ventura BA. Short-Term Impact of Point-Source Enrichment on the Behavior of Gestating Sows Housed in Groups. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.649114] [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
Environmental enrichment is an important strategy to improve the welfare of farm animals. However, relatively little is known about enrichment for gestating sows, especially those raised on farms with slatted floors and for which provision of straw may be difficult. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the short-term (4 d) impact of a point-source enrichment object on the behavior of gestating sows housed in group pens. Four pens of gestating sows on a university research farm were randomly allocated to receive either enrichment or no enrichment (control) in a 2 by 2 crossover design. Time budgets were established by video recording focal sows' behaviors (n = 10 focals per pen) every 15 min between 0800 and 1500 every day. Enrichment use was further characterized by continuous behavior sampling for a 1 h interval between 0830 and 0930 each day. The impact of parity, lameness and presence of stereotypical behavior such as sham chewing on enrichment use was evaluated. Over the course of the study, focal sows spent approximately 73% of observations inactive [either lying down (70%), standing (2%), or sitting (1%)]. Within the remaining observations, sows were most commonly observed sham-chewing (16%), followed by 3% exploring, 2% feeding, 2% walking and 1% interacting with the enrichment when it was available. Low-parity sows, moderately-lame sows, and sows observed sham chewing at baseline displayed more consistent enrichment use over the course of the study (p = 0.02, p < 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). While no adverse behavioral effects (increased agonism or sham chewing) due to provision or removal of the enrichment object were observed and while 85% of sows were observed to interact with enrichment at least once, interest declined sharply after the first day. We conclude that further research is needed to identify effective and sustainable enrichment strategies for gestating sows.
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