EFFECT OF PEN DESIGN ON BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE OF LACTATING SOWS
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of pen design on behaviour and welfare of lactating sows. Straw-bedded farrowing pens with free movement of sows (free type - SFP) and wooden slatted floor farrowing pen with crate (crate type - CFP) were evaluated From the results of behavioural studies in two different types of farrowing pens the following conclusions were made: The time of lying of sows was shorter in the bedded farrowing pens. However, the sows could better chose their position of lying and they rested more effectively there. In the bedded farrowing pens the sows behaved more naturally including building of a nest before
farrowing, natural exploration and maternal behaviour. In the farrowing pens with a crate there were very limited conditions for sows and instability because of slippery floor. Non-natural behavioural activities were recorded. The bedded farrowing pen with free movement appear to provide improved welfare for lactating sows.
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