Social Environment and Reproduction

Abstract

Social environment is generally considered to consist of visual, tactile, olfactory, auditory and other stimuli which together form the means of communication between individual animals of a species. The role of the ' social environment on reproduction of domestic animals is a relatively recent topic for research but with recent developments in animal production it is assuming greater importance. Intensification of animal production has and will continue to produce marked changes in the social environment of the animal and thus it is essential that scientists, advisers and producers are aware of its role in reproduction. In a review of reproductive disorders of pigs, Wrathall (1975) suggested that many of the disorders encountered in intensive pig production originate from neglect or ignorance of the importance of social factors. Thus, failure to provide an environment in which reproduction can proceed naturally and efficiently will result in reproductive failure. It is the object of this chapter to review the current state of knowledge of the role of the social environment on reproduction of the boar, gilt and sow.