Naslov
Influence of keep and accomodation of the behaviour and welfare of pregnant gilts

Autori
Pavičić, Željko ; Potočnjak, Dalibor ; Petak, Irena ; Krsnik, Boris

Izvornik
Veterinarski arhiv. Supplement (1333-6592) 70 (2000); S207-S212

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
pregnant gilt ; farrowing crates ; production results ; behaviour and welfare

Sažetak
This research was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the influence of keep and shelter conditions on pregnant gilts in a new environment in regard to their welfare. Three sample groups were chosen, numbering 10 individuals of the Swedish Landrace breed immediately before farrowing. During the research the number of live and stillborn piglets was noted, as were farrowing duration, microclimatic conditions and behaviour of gilts. According to obtained results the gilt group with the longest average pregnancy duration was observed to have produced the greatest number of stillborn piglets. During the research the gilts took five body positions, mostly before and after farrowing, lying on their side, while less time was spent standing, lying on the stomach or sitting. The unusually long period spent lying in a side position before farrowing may have been a result of the higher temperature noted at that time in the farrowing crates. In the 24-hour period prior to farrowing the gilts changed their position more frequently and periodically demonstrated a type of behaviour similar to the building of nests carried out by sows in a natural environment. The frequent change in position may be attributed to a rise in air temperature in the crate, which made the sows restless, standing up and lying down more frequently than previously. One may conclude, therefore, that transfer of the animals from waiting crates to farrowing crates, and to inappropriate microclimatic conditions in the crates, may have negatively influenced the duration of farrowing, the number of live and stillborn piglets, as well as the behaviour and welfare of the gilts.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Veterinarska medicina

POVEZANOST RADA