A novel approach for encouraging prepartum nest-building behaviour in crated sows: Its effects on farrowing characteristics

IF 2 2区农林科学 Q1 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Applied Animal Behaviour Science Pub Date : 2025-09-02 DOI:10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106810

Woohee Chung , Juho Lee , Jinhyeon Yun

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Farrowing crates limit sows’ innate response to perform nest-building behaviour, which may compromise welfare and farrowing performance. This study evaluated novel roller and rooting-cone devices designed to stimulate nest-building in sows housed in crates with slatted floors. Twenty-two sows were assigned to Control (n = 8), Roller (n = 7), and Rooting-cone (n = 7) groups. Devices were installed in front of the feed troughs seven days before parturition to allow an adaptation period. Although not statistically significant, Roller sows exhibited numerically greater incidence of prepartum nest-building behaviour (P = 0.13), shorter farrowing durations (227.2 vs. 286.3 and 525.8 min, respectively, P = 0.18), and shorter intervals between last feeding and parturition (263.7 vs 507.9 and 626.3 min, respectively, P = 0.53) than Control and Rooting-cone groups. However, Roller sows exhibited more frequent postural changes during farrowing (P < 0.01). Prepartum rooting behaviour tended to be negatively correlated with farrowing duration (r = −0.41, P = 0.06) and the interval between the last feeding and parturition (r = -0.39, P = 0.07). These findings suggest that the roller may contribute to improved energy retention and smoother farrowing process by supporting prepartum feeding motivation, while no apparent effects were observed with the rooting-cone. Further consideration should be given to optimizing the roller’s material and placement to better allow arranging behaviour and ensure lying comfort within the crate, and these effects should be validated in larger populations.

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一种新的方法，以鼓励准备筑巢行为的母猪：其对生产特性的影响

产仔箱限制了母猪对筑巢行为的先天反应，这可能会损害母猪的福利和产仔性能。本研究评估了设计用于刺激母猪在板条地板箱中筑巢的新型滚轮和根锥装置。将22头母猪分为对照组（n = 8）、滚轮组（n = 7）和根锥组（n = 7）。分娩前7天在饲料槽前安装设备，以便有一段适应期。虽然没有统计学上的显著差异，但与对照组和根锥组相比，滚动母猪在准备阶段筑巢行为的发生率更高（P = 0.13），分娩持续时间更短（分别为227.2 vs 286.3和525.8 min, P = 0.18），最后一次进食和分娩间隔时间更短（分别为263.7 vs 507.9和626.3 min, P = 0.53）。然而，滚动母猪在分娩过程中表现出更频繁的姿势变化（P <； 0.01）。预备期生根行为与产仔时长（r = −0.41,P = 0.06）和末次取食至产仔间隔（r = -0.39,P = 0.07）呈负相关。这些结果表明，滚轮可能通过支持预备进食动机而有助于改善能量保留和更顺利的分娩过程，而根锥则没有明显的影响。应该进一步考虑优化滚轮的材料和位置，以更好地安排行为，确保在板条箱内躺得舒适，这些效果应该在更大的人群中得到验证。

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来源期刊

Applied Animal Behaviour Science 农林科学-行为科学

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

21.70%

发文量

191

审稿时长

18.1 weeks

期刊介绍： This journal publishes relevant information on the behaviour of domesticated and utilized animals. Topics covered include: -Behaviour of farm, zoo and laboratory animals in relation to animal management and welfare -Behaviour of companion animals in relation to behavioural problems, for example, in relation to the training of dogs for different purposes, in relation to behavioural problems -Studies of the behaviour of wild animals when these studies are relevant from an applied perspective, for example in relation to wildlife management, pest management or nature conservation -Methodological studies within relevant fields The principal subjects are farm, companion and laboratory animals, including, of course, poultry. The journal also deals with the following animal subjects: -Those involved in any farming system, e.g. deer, rabbits and fur-bearing animals -Those in ANY form of confinement, e.g. zoos, safari parks and other forms of display -Feral animals, and any animal species which impinge on farming operations, e.g. as causes of loss or damage -Species used for hunting, recreation etc. may also be considered as acceptable subjects in some instances -Laboratory animals, if the material relates to their behavioural requirements