There is growing pressure to remove farrowing crates from pig production. This study aimed to provide robust, commercial-scale data on the effect of temporarily crating on reproductive success, behaviour and welfare of sows. This study involved 666 sows crated (JLF15) for 24hrs before parturition (D0) and two days of lactation (C+2, n=166), 24hrs before parturition and four days of lactation (C+4, n =167), loose for farrowing and lactation (L, n =167) or farrowed loose and then crated for four days of lactation (L+4, n = 166). Piglets were weighed at birth, D7 and weaning. Sows were scored for body condition, lameness, shoulder sores and cleanliness upon entering and exiting the farrowing house. From one batch (n=50) CCTV footage for behaviour analysis (D1-8 of lactation) and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration (D-2, D0, D2, D4, D7, D14, D28) were collected. C+4 sows showed 4.6% lower piglet mortality than L sows (P<0.01) and weaned 0.6 more piglets per litter (P=0.009). Litters from L sows were approximately 4kg heavier at weaning than C+4 and L+4 litters (P<0.05). Activity increased in the mornings and after crate opening. Once released from the crate, sows showed a similar behavioural repertoire to loose housed sows, with increased exploration and positive contact with piglets. There was no lasting effect of crating on sow stress throughout lactation or differences in physical welfare indicators. Temporary crating for four days postpartum and one day pre-partum provides an alternative to improve sow welfare in an intensive production environment whilst maximising piglet survival.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)