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Published on: September 30, 2019
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Behavioral changes of sows with changes in flattening rate.
Ka-Young Yang1, Dong-Hwa Jang1, Kyeong-Seok Kwon1
1National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea.
Journal of Animal Science and Technology
|June 16, 2022
Summary
Increasing the flat floor coverage for sows significantly improved lying behavior and overall welfare. This study provides crucial data for farmers transitioning to group housing systems.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ethology
- Agricultural Engineering
Background:
- Transitioning farms to animal welfare-based housing presents challenges.
- Sow housing systems significantly impact animal behavior and welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of varying flat floor coverage on sow behavior and welfare.
- To provide data supporting the transition to group housing with flat floors.
Main Methods:
- Experiment conducted on 28 sows (2nd-5th parity).
- Flat floor coverage varied at 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%.
- Sow behavior observed via camera; welfare assessed through field visits.
Main Results:
- Increased flat floor coverage correlated with higher lying behavior (p < 0.01).
- Fighting behavior increased at 20% coverage; chewing behavior increased with coverage (p < 0.05).
- Good housing scores improved from 78% to 96% with increased floor coverage.
Conclusions:
- Partial flat flooring positively influences sow lying behavior and housing welfare.
- Further research needed to optimize 'appropriate behavior' scores in flat floor systems.
- Findings support farmers in adopting group housing with flat floors for improved sow welfare.
