Welfare of fattening pigs in different husbandry systems

摘要

The aim of this study is to contribute to the development of welfare evaluation measures for fattening pigs kept in intensive housing systems. This is to be achieved through a comparison of two practice oriented husbandry systems, at the same time considering our knowledge about fattening pigs' behavioural needs. In two consecutive years a total of 256 Pietrain X (Large White X German Landrace) fattening pigs (50 percent females: 50 percent castrated) were investigated in two enriched husbndry systems, partly slatted floor fully air conditioned and partly deep litter in open stall. Once a week over ten weeks, behaviour was observed indirectly between 5:30 h and 8:30 h and 13:30 and 16:30 h. Behavioural traits inculded feed intake, exploration andoccupation, abnormal occupation, comfort, aggression and fight, locomotion, and resting and lying. Instantaneous scan sarmpling with a two minute interval was used for the video recorded data. At specific times, direct observations were conducted to specify certain behavious. Skin lesions and alterations of extremities and claws were recorded three times throughout the fattening period. Lungs, livers, hearts, kidneys, lymph nodes and carcasses were inspected individually at slaughter. Fattening and slaughter performance was tested according to on-station standards. Housing characterisics such as pen soiling and climate were recorded. First ANOVA results of behavioural data regarding the effects of husbandry system, age, and time of day on behavioural traits are presented.