Damaging biting behaviors in intensively kept rearing gilts: the effect of jute sacks, and relations with production characteristics
| Autor: | Ursinus, W.W., Wijnen, H.J., Bartels, A.C., Duijvesteijn, N., van Reenen, C.G., Bolhuis, J.E. |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2014 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Animal Science, 92(11), 5193-5202 Journal of Animal Science 92 (2014) 11 |
| ISSN: | 0021-8812 |
| Popis: | Pigs may display biting behavior directed at pen mates, resulting in body damage such as tail wounds. We assessed the suitability of jute sacks (hung vertically at wall) to reduce biting behaviors and tail wounds in rearing gilts. Additionally, we assessed several characteristics of different types of tail biters. Tail docked rearing gilts originated from 72 litters, which were kept in partly slatted pens with jute sacks (J) or barren control pens (C) (36 litters per treatment). Tail and ear damage were observed at weaning (4 weeks), and during the weaner and rearing phase (17 J and 19 C pens). Also sow (dam) damage was considered. Biting behaviors (tail, ear and other) were observed during the weaner and rearing phase. Weight was recorded at birth, weaning and end of the weaner phase, and average daily gain was calculated from birth till weaning and from weaning till 9 weeks. Furthermore, estimated breeding values for litter size, litter birth weight, back fat, and growth between birth and ±105 kg, and ±25-105 kg were determined. Jute sacks reduced tail and ear damage at weaning (both P |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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