engleski

Lying behaviour in gilts kept on rubber slatted floor

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of rubber flooring in service unit on gilt lying behaviour during four seasons. Two groups of 5 gilts were observed during 28-day production cycle per season. Control gilts were kept in gestation stalls with slatted concrete floor, while in experimental group the stall floor was covered with adjusted rubber mat. Lying behaviour was recorded for 4-hour period on four occasions. Compared to controls, experimental group gilts spent significantly more time lying (P<0.05) during cooler periods. It is concluded that rubber flooring improved lying comfort of gilts, but environmental temperature should be considered when using this flooring type.

gilt; rubber flooring; lying behaviour

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