Behavioral Observation Procedures and Tests to Characterize the Suitability of Sows for Loose-Housed Farrowing Systems

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate behavioral observation procedures and tests to characterize sows’ behavior for their suitability for free farrowing systems. Nest building activity (NB), lying-down behavior (LDB), and position after lying down (PLD) were assessed. Four tests were designed to characterize the reaction of sows to a novel object and an unexpected situation (Towel Test, TT), behavior towards humans (Dummy Arm Test, DAT; Trough Cleaning Test, TCT), and behavior towards piglets (Reunion Test, RT). The study was performed on a nucleus farm in 37 batches including 771 purebred landrace sows housed in farrowing pens with short-term fixation. The assessment of NB started 2 days before the expected date of the farrowing. In 56.2% of the observations, the sows showed increased chewing activity on gunnysacks. The LDB and PLD were assessed on days 3 and 19 post partum (p.p.). In 49.1% of the observations, sows showed careful lying-down behavior. In 50.1% of cases, sows preferred the stomach-teats-position when lying down. With the DAT on day 4 p.p., in 89.3% of observations, no or only slight reactions of the sow were documented. The TT and TCT were performed on days 3 and 10 p.p. Strong defensive reactions of animals towards humans were recorded in 4.5% of the observations in the TT, and in 4.0% of the observations in the TCT. In the RT on day 3 p.p., in 61.8%, a joyful response of the sows to the reunion with their piglets was observed. This study showed that the behavioral observation procedures and designed tests are suitable to characterize sows’ behavior towards humans and piglets with regard to traits that are particularly important in systems without fixation.

Effects of a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Redox Status, Blood Haematology, and Piglet Mortality in Primiparous Sows

“…Sixty-four (64) primiparous sows (mean age of 366 ± 3 days) of a single batch were selected 15 days before the expected farrowing date according to no previous health history and similar body weight (206.8 ± 5.7 kg). The criteria for selected primiparous sows were their strong defensive reaction, (e.g., sow stands up, is nervous and aggressive) to the "Towel Test" according to Neu et al (2021) [78]. The aggressive behaviour of selected primiparous sows was tested using the following "Towel Test" for the estimation of their reaction to unknown objects and situations by a towel being suddenly thrown in the direction of the sow's head during a resting period [78].…”

“…The criteria for selected primiparous sows were their strong defensive reaction, (e.g., sow stands up, is nervous and aggressive) to the "Towel Test" according to Neu et al (2021) [78]. The aggressive behaviour of selected primiparous sows was tested using the following "Towel Test" for the estimation of their reaction to unknown objects and situations by a towel being suddenly thrown in the direction of the sow's head during a resting period [78]. No significant differences in mean body weight between selected primiparous sows were noticed during the period 7 days before farrowing (213.8 ± 8.4 kg) until the day of the farrowing (220.5 ± 10.2 kg).…”

Transitioning from crates to free farrowing: A roadmap to navigate key decisions

“…Another desirable trait in FF sows is lack of aggression toward people, since stockperson safety is an important consideration (Section Stockperson safety and time management). Recent work ( 77 , 78 ) developed tests characterizing the behavior of lactating sows toward humans in alternative systems. Behavioral traits derived from these tests could be used as new phenotypes for the genetic selection of gentle and easy-to-handle sows.…”

Freedom to Move: Free Lactation Pens Improve Sow Welfare

“…Moreover, this type of system can also induce mental stress, as it prevents sows from performing their normal behaviour. Specifically, farrowing crates prevent direct social contact with other sows and the interaction between the sow and piglets, the choosing of a nest site, the opportunity to perform rooting and nest building behaviour, isolation during farrowing, the possibility for exploration and the choice to defecate away from the resting area [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”