Abstract
The objective of this trial was to evaluate the behavioral patterns and performance of lactating sows and their litters under the effect of artificial vocalization. Twenty-eight sows and their litters were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2x2 factorial scheme (artificial vocalization x lactation week). The behavior of the animals was monitored during 24 hours on the 7th and 15th days of lactation, analyzing the number, interval, and frequency of nursings. The body condition and performance of the sows were also evaluated. Artificial vocalization promoted higher frequencies of eating for sow and nursing for piglets (P <0.05), increased inactive sow behavior (P <0.05), and reduced sow alert in activity (P <0.05). The number and duration of suckling sessions at the 15thday of lactation were reduced (P <0.05). The use of artificial vocalization did not affect the body condition or milk production of the lactating sows, or the performance of the litter during lactation (P> 0.05). The use of maternal artificial vocalization during lactation of sows promoted greater lactation efficiency and longer rest time, favoring the sows' welfare.
Highlights
Swine production is a dynamic system with several factors that, in synergy, can advance the production efficiency of the herd, as well as improving the welfare of the animals, which progress economic efficiency
The number, duration, and interval of suckling are of fundamental importance for the adequate development of piglets, since milk is the main food source for piglets during this period. Recent literature on this topic has been only slightly explored, and further studies on nursing behavior are necessary, as the behavior pattern of sows may change during nursing. These changes occur due to constant genetic advancement, which results in females with a greater number of piglets per farrowing and at weaning, as well as females with lower body fat content; it is possible that these factors could alter both milk production and nursing behavior
The use of artificial vocalization did not change the behaviors of drinking, stereotyping, inactive alertness, biting, and rooting on the 7th day of lactation (P> 0.05)
Summary
Swine production is a dynamic system with several factors that, in synergy, can advance the production efficiency of the herd, as well as improving the welfare of the animals, which progress economic efficiency. Recent literature on this topic has been only slightly explored, and further studies on nursing behavior are necessary, as the behavior pattern of sows may change during nursing These changes occur due to constant genetic advancement, which results in females with a greater number of piglets per farrowing and at weaning, as well as females with lower body fat content; it is possible that these factors could alter both milk production and nursing behavior. The opposite is true: the greater the stimulation nursings instead of feedings, the greater is the milk production This is influenced by the size of the litter, number and duration of feedings, maternal characteristics (ability), and occurrence of stressors in the maternity environment
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