Effects of loose farrowing facilities on reproductive performance in primiparous sows

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of loose farrowing type during gestation and after farrowing on reproductive performance and of lactating sows. A total of 22 primiparous sows (Landrace; average initial body weights [BW], 228.54 ± 12.79 kg) were allotted to one of two treatments on the basis of body weight. Sows were divided into two experimental groups, conventional farrowing crates (CON), and loosed-farrowing pens (LFP). The experiment duration was around 38 days ranging from 10 days before parturition to 28 days after parturition. Gestating sows at the age of 105 d were placed in gestational stalls (group housing). All the sows were fed a common diet according to the National Research Council requirements for lactation. Cross-fostering was performed within 1 day of parturition. From 1 day after weaning, estrus detection was performed twice-daily (0900 and 1730 h) for 10 min by boar exposure. There were significant effects of LFP housing type on the farrowing duration, and farrowing interval. At the farrowing time, none of the litter parameters including total born, stillborn, mummy, born alive piglets and total litter weight and piglet weight were affected. There were no effects of housing type on the mortality of piglets at d 1, 3, 7, 21, and 28. In conclusion, the result of this study showed that there is no performance difference between the crated or LFP sows, which indicate that the LFP housing has the potential to be used as an alternative to the crated house without any detrimental effects in reproduction performance of lactating sows.

Review of Temporary Crating of Farrowing and Lactating Sows

“…While some studies have recorded an increased farrowing duration in sows confined from more than 2 days prior to expected farrowing in comparison with sows that were never confined or confined only after completion of farrowing ( 23 , 24 ), other studies have shown no difference ( 27 , 31 , 47 ), although the former two studies involved hyperprolific sows with much longer farrowings in both confined and unconfined conditions. In general, the consequences for the number of stillborn piglets have mirrored the effects on farrowing duration in the different studies, with three studies showing increased stillbirths in sows crated for more than 2 days before expected farrowing ( 23 , 24 , 47 ), although in the latter case, this was not associated with a longer farrowing duration or increased signs of birth stress (meconium staining, vigor) in newborn piglets. In contrast, six papers reported no difference in stillbirth rate ( 27 – 29 , 31 , 42 , 46 ), with all except the last of these involving hyperprolific sows.…”

“…From the perspective of the piglets, the most significant health parameter is absence of death or injury from crushing by the sow. Overall, most studies (12 out of 21) reported no statistically significant differences in piglet mortality rates between sows housed in temporary crates (opening D3–D14) and permanent farrowing crates ( 19 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 40 – 42 , 46 , 49 , 51 , 52 ) or zero confinement ( 33 ) ( Table 4 ). Four studies observed a decrease in piglet mortality in TC.…”

“…This makes it difficult to compare the pens and to recommend which pen to use in future trials or farm installation or in assisting other stakeholders such as policy-influencers and policymakers. According to the information available ( Table 2 ), the pens differ in total footprint from 2.66 m 2 ( 23 ) to 7.4 m 2 ( 32 ) and 9.22 m 2 in a pen with access to an outdoor area ( 37 ). The area available for sows when loose differs from 1.9 m 2 ( 23 ), 5.3 m 2 ( 27 ), to 7.6 m 2 in a pen with access to an outdoor area ( 37 ) and the available space for piglets protected from the sow varies from 0.44 m 2 ( 62 ) to 2.25 m 2 ( 37 ).…”

“…According to the information available ( Table 2 ), the pens differ in total footprint from 2.66 m 2 ( 23 ) to 7.4 m 2 ( 32 ) and 9.22 m 2 in a pen with access to an outdoor area ( 37 ). The area available for sows when loose differs from 1.9 m 2 ( 23 ), 5.3 m 2 ( 27 ), to 7.6 m 2 in a pen with access to an outdoor area ( 37 ) and the available space for piglets protected from the sow varies from 0.44 m 2 ( 62 ) to 2.25 m 2 ( 37 ). However, as mentioned above, it is not only a question of area but also dimensions to accommodate the length, width, height, and locomotion of sows or piglets.…”

“…The possible benefits of improved maternal behavior in unconfined sows may be countered by the increased risk of crushing with unrestricted movement of sows in the neonatal period. Some studies involving smaller litter sizes (total born <12 piglets) have reported only a non-significant increase in mortality prior to piglet processing or on the first day of life when comparing sows crated from >3 days before farrowing with those where the crate remained open until completion of farrowing ( 47 ) or until just before farrowing ( 23 ). However, two other studies with moderate litter size (total born: 12–15 piglets) have shown a substantial reduction from the mortality seen in unconfined conditions when confining the sow shortly (<1 day) before expected farrowing ( 11 , 32 ).…”