engleski

Behaviour of Sows 24 Hours after Farrowing

A great number of sows' activities are related to the reproduction period. Accordingly, the understanding of their expressed behaviour may give an answer in regard to a better handling of the animal with the aim to achieve the animal welfare and the products of better quality. Thirty sows were under observation, 24 hours after farrowing, in the farrowing crates, and 5 positions and 6 activities were considered. During the research period the sows were mostly lying down, could rarely be found in the sitting position and all activities were only short-termed. Such a poor repertoire with rare activities and rare changes of position are characteristic of this reproduction phase but may also be a consequence of poor environment and disturbed welfare. A shorter period in the farrowing crates before farrowing and a shorter time before the weaning could help the sows welfare and enable them to show more maternal forms of behaviour as well as other forms of behaviour hitherto hindered by the crates.

behaviour; sows; welfare

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