Housing sows in farrowing crates with straw racks: Behaviour of sows and piglets as well as performance and piglet growth

Abstract

In this investigation the influence of straw racks in a farrowing pen on the behaviour of sows and piglets was determined. Ten conventional farrowing crates of one compartment were equipped with one rack for sows as well as with one rack for piglets. In another identical compartment sows were housed without straw. Both 24 hours before and 24 hours after farrowing frequency and duration of sows being occupied with straw were recorded. Furthermore, the frequency and the number of piglets kept busy with straw were registered on four observation days. Piglets of both housing systems were weighted on the day of birth and on day 21. All sows make use of the straw racks 24 hours before farrowing, whereas the straw racks are most frequented six hours before farrowing. Postpartum sows make hardly any use of the straw racks. Piglets avail the offer of straw after their second week of life. Both antemeridian and post meridian the straw racks are visited most frequently, in the remaining time piglets show hardly any interest in straw racks. The usage of straw racks does not significantly influence piglets growth. Weight gain of piglets is significantly influenced by litter size, birth weight and the random effect of sow.