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Summer-winter behavioural comparisons of allowing the farrowing and lactating sow greater freedom

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 November 2017

A.R. Rudd ,
M.T. Mendl ,
P.H. Simmins  and
D.M. Broom
A.R. Rudd
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge, Faculty of Clinical Veterinary Medicine , Madingley Road, Cambridge. CB3 OES
M.T. Mendl
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge, Faculty of Clinical Veterinary Medicine , Madingley Road, Cambridge. CB3 OES
P.H. Simmins
Affiliation:
ADAS Terrington, Terrington St. Clement, King's Lynn, Norfolk. PE34 4PW
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Extract

Freedom of movement and freedom to express normal behaviour are fundamental principles underlying most welfare guidelines (e.g. Brambell, 1965). The restrictive nature of the farrowing crate and its potential to limit the repertoire of species specific behaviours may influence the welfare of the sow (Higginson, 1985). The objective of this study was to examine sow behaviour in different farrowing systems and specifically to investigate the behavioural component of improved winter production results in a less restrictive farrowing pen system (Rudd et al., Paper 18, 1993 BSAP Winter Meeting).

Three farrowing systems in neighbouring rooms were compared. Two systems allowed the sows to move freely, i) five strawed pens (2.5m x 1.5m) with farrowing rail (Pen), and ii) five crates modified to allow the sows to walk through (Free Crate). Sows had access via a passageway to a transponder-controlled feeder and a North facing (shaded) outside area with two water drinkers. Piglets were contained in their home Pen or Free Crate area by a small barrier (30cm high).

Type
Joint WPSA/BSAP Sessions
Information
Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) , Volume 1993: Winter meeting , March 1993 , pp. 224
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Production 1993

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References

Brambell, F.W.R. (1965). Report of the Technical Committee to enquire into the welfare of livestock kept under intensive husbandry conditions. HMSO, London.Google Scholar
Higginson, S., (1985). Freedom before farrowing - its purely a welfare decision. Pig Farming. 33: 57–59.Google Scholar