Vol. 11, Special Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
Raghy Radhakrishnan, Tensingh Gnanaraj P, Meenakshi Sundaram S, Thanga Tamil Vanan, Radhakrishnan L and Samuel Masilamoni Ronald B

Abstract:
Sows are being reared in confinement of farrowing crates after parturition which provides an intermediary step to prevent piglet crushing, however it has a negative impact on the welfare of the sows. This study was conducted to assess the behaviour of sows in three different farrowing facilities. A total of twenty-five sows were placed in one of the three farrowing facilities viz. Conventional farrowing crate (10) -F1, Guard rail model (9) -F2 and Modified Farrowing crate (6)- F3 five days prior to farrowing up to the weaning of piglets at 42 days. Results indicated significant effects (p<0.01) of farrowing facility and days post farrowing on the body postures of sows like standing, sitting, sternal lie and lateral lie. The duration of lateral lie was higher in conventional farrowing crate than the sows that were reared in guard rail model and modified farrowing crate. Vices such as bar biting was seen higher in confined conventional farrowing crate. However modified farrowing crate showed comparatively less duration of vices like bar biting, sham chewing and feed trough biting compared to conventional farrowing crate. Facilitating farrowing system with modified farrowing crate would reduce the pre weaning mortality of piglets without compromising the welfare of the sow could.