Journal article
Parity influences the demeanor of sows in group housing
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Vol.21(1), pp.17-26
2017
Abstract
Across the globe, producers are moving from individual housing to group housing for sows during gestation. Producers typically group sows of a range of parities together, although the impacts are largely unknown. This study examined the behavioral expression at mixing for young, midparity, and older sows. Ten mixed-parity groups were filmed at mixing on a commercial piggery. One-minute clips were edited from continuous footage where focal sows of known parity could be identified, and scored for qualitative behavioral expression. Parity 2 and 6 sows were more calm/tired than Parity 4 sows, who were more active/energetic. Parity 2 sows were more curious/inquisitive than Parity 4 and 6 sows, who were more anxious/frustrated. Correlations between qualitative behavioral expression and activity indicated sows scored as more calm/tired spent a greater proportion of time standing, while sows scored as more active/energetic spent more time performing avoidance behavior. Different body language is likely to reflect physical or affective differences in how sows cope with mixing.
Details
- Title
- Parity influences the demeanor of sows in group housing
- Authors/Creators
- T. Clarke (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityJ.R. Pluske (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityD.W. Miller (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityT. Collins (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityP.A. Fleming (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Vol.21(1), pp.17-26
- Publisher
- Taylor and Francis Ltd.
- Identifiers
- 991005543609607891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.51 Dairy & Animal Sciences
- 3.51.799 Farm Animal Welfare
- Web Of Science research areas
- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science