Ethological methods for the selection of young pigs for herd replacement

Viktor Doylidov

doi:10.48077/scihor.24(1).2021.22-28

Abstract

Ethologists have identified many aspects of animal behaviour, and their research experience can be used in agricultural production for the selection of animals with necessary behavioural qualities. The purpose of the study was to find labour saving and effective methods for the selection of young pigs for herd replacement, including identification of their behavioural characteristics in the context of industrial pork production. The method for the selection of young animals based on the viability index of newborn piglets was compared with other method, which takes into account the independent attachment of piglets to the front three pairs of sow teats. It was found that the probability of independent attachment of a piglet to anterior teats has a positive and high correlation with its viability index, with a correlation coefficient of 0.95. Piglets that occupied the front three pairs of teats during the suckling period significantly (P≤0.001) exceeded the rest in weight at the 21st and at the 60th days by 22.7% and 5.4%, respectively. When assessing the behavioural reactions of piglets weaned from sows in an artificially created stress conditions, groups of piglets resistant and not resistant to psychological (emotional) stress were selected for subsequent observation. Moreover, it was found that among the sows obtained from stress-resistant piglets, the superiority in fertility during the first insemination and the total proportion of farrowing was 11.1 p.p., in terms of multiple fertility – 2.6 piglets (P≤0.05) or 33.3%, and in terms of the share of those transferred to the main herd – 27.8 p.p. in comparison with the group of unstable ones. Based on the obtained results, the use of an ethological method for selecting piglets for herd replacement was substantiated, taking into account the independent attachment to anterior teats and an express method for selecting piglets based on their resistance to psychological stress

Highlights

Modern ethologists have identified many aspects of behaviour in animals of various species, from insects to predators [1]
The assessment of the viability of piglets was carried out according to the value of viability index of newborn piglets (VINP), which is determined after the birth of each piglet
The results of studying the dynamics of live weight during the suckling period in individuals with different levels of viability are presented in the table 1

Summary

Introduction

Modern ethologists have identified many aspects of behaviour in animals of various species, from insects to predators [1]. The scientific advances allow for a better understanding of general cognitive processes. This leads to the creation of more effective strategies for both wildlife management and directional selection among domestic species. Such an approach allows selecting individuals that meet specific human requirements based on their behaviour [1]. An increase in the amount of livestock production can be achieved with the proper understanding of the behavioural activity of bred animals, which allows selecting animals that meet specific requirements [4]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion