Behavioral Changes of Sows and Gilts of Different Breeds Housed in Individual Pens to Different Physiological States

摘要

Forty late pregnant sows of three breeds were selected to study behavioural changes during gestation, lactation and after weaning. All animals were housed individually in conventional pens (3.1m x 3.0m) comprising a lying area with bedding a creep floor for feeding and activity. The observations on the behaviour of each individual continued for 9 weeks comprising of 2 weeks for gestation, 5 for lactation and 2 weeks after weaning. The results showed that no vacuuming-chewing was found for any individual and at any observation period in this study. Sow behavior including lying, standing, moving, chewing straw and bar biting were significantly different during different physiological periods. Oral behavioral stereotypes of sows were often expressed after feeding. The behavior difference between breeds with the same parity was marginal. Multiparous sows expressed more oral behavioral stereotypies than gilts.