Temporary crate opening procedure affects immediate post-opening piglet mortality and sow behaviour.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ethology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Producers seek farrowing systems with reduced confinement to enhance sow welfare.
• Concerns exist regarding potential increases in piglet mortality with less restrictive systems.
• Temporary confinement systems offer a balance, protecting piglets initially then allowing sow freedom.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if piglet mortality increases after temporary farrowing crates are opened.
• To evaluate different crate opening techniques for reducing post-opening piglet mortality.
• To analyze the influence of opening techniques on sow behavior.

Main Methods:

• 416 sows were assigned to three treatments: morning individual opening (AM), afternoon individual opening (PM), and simultaneous group opening (ALL).
• Piglet mortality was recorded pre- and post-opening.
• Sow behavior was observed for 6 hours before and after crate opening.

Main Results:

• Piglet mortality was significantly higher post-opening across all treatments.
• The PM treatment resulted in the lowest piglet mortality post-opening.
• Sows in PM and AM treatments exhibited more sitting behavior, potentially indicating increased alertness.

Conclusions:

• Individual, particularly afternoon, opening of temporary farrowing crates can reduce piglet mortality.
• Sow habituation to disturbance prior to opening may mitigate mortality increases.
• Optimizing opening timing and technique is crucial for balancing sow welfare and piglet survival.