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

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.