Abstract
Sixteen pregnant sows were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 2x2 factorial scheme consisting of two housing systems (individual cages and collective pens) and two diets (low [2.67%] and high [13.14%] level of crude fiber). Physiological, behavioral, environmental, and hormonal parameters were studied. In addition, the following productive and reproductive parameters were evaluated: weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion of the sow and piglets, number of piglets born dead and alive, number and weight at weaning, and backfat thickness of sows. Pregnant sows reared in collective pens and fed a high-fiber diet exhibited better physiological responses, indicating greater comfort and better animal welfare. The environmental variables were close to the comfort zone of the animals. In addition to providing a more comfortable environment, housing pigs in collective pens reduced stereotypy, permitting the sows to express a more natural behavior. The high-fiber diet did not interfere with female productive performance. Tifton hay can therefore be indicated as an alternative for the formulation of sow diets to improve animal welfare.
Highlights
IntroductionLike other agribusiness supply chains, has increased significantly over the last 14 years
Brazilian pig farming, like other agribusiness supply chains, has increased significantly over the last 14 years
No significant differences in ambient temper ature, black-globe temperature (BGT) or relative humidity (RH) were observed between sows housed in individual cages and collective pens or between sows fed LF and HF diets
Summary
Like other agribusiness supply chains, has increased significantly over the last 14 years. This growth is noted when economic and social indicators, such as export volumes, participation in the world market, and number of direct and indirect jobs created, are analyzed (Gonçalves and Palmeira 2006). Concern regarding food production is increa singly focused on the quality of the final product as well as environmental implications. The issue of animal welfare has attracted much attention in technical, scientific, academic and production areas and has led to changes in current housing systems. Together with environmental and food safety issues, the maintenance of animal welfare is one of the three crucial challenges of modern agriculture
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