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Parental Behaviour in Sows
Jinhyeon Yun1, Olli Peltoniemi2
1Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea. pilot9939@jnu.ac.kr.
Advances in Neurobiology
|September 28, 2022
Summary
Sow parental behavior, including nest-building, is influenced by hormones and the farrowing environment. Factors like heredity and experience also impact successful piglet care and lactation.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Reproductive Biology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Parental behavior in sows is crucial for offspring survival and welfare.
- Nest-building behavior, involving rooting and foraging, is a key component of maternal care.
- Hormonal regulation and environmental conditions significantly influence maternal behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted factors influencing maternal behavior in sows.
- To highlight the importance of the farrowing environment for optimal sow and piglet outcomes.
- To discuss intrinsic factors affecting sow parental care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hormonal, environmental, and intrinsic factors.
- Analysis of existing research on sow nesting and parental care.
- Synthesis of information on heredity, experience, and litter size impacts.
Main Results:
- Nest-building behavior is initiated by hormonal changes and influenced by the farrowing environment.
- Adequate environmental provisions support essential nest-building activities.
- Heredity, prior farrowing experience, and litter size are significant intrinsic determinants.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing the farrowing environment is critical for promoting positive maternal behavior in sows.
- A comprehensive understanding of both environmental and intrinsic factors is necessary for enhancing sow reproductive success.
- Effective management strategies should consider hormonal, environmental, and individual sow characteristics.
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