Abstract
BackgroundThe conventional farrowing crate is criticised due to the limited mobility of sows during farrowing and lactation. The present study aims to investigate the effects of three different farrowing systems on the performance of suckling neonates on the basis of immunocrit (IC; a quantification of immunoglobulins), serum amino acid (AA) concentrations and growth performance.MethodsFrom a total of 149 sows placed in three housing systems (farrowing crate – FC, loose housing – LH, group housing – GH), 18 sows and their respective litters, formed the basis for a two-factorial study design (farrowing system and body weight (BW) of neonates). Therefore, also blood samples of two light (1.0–1.4 kg) and two heavy (≥ 1.4 kg) piglets were taken within 48 h post natum (p.n.) and on the day of weaning (day 26) to determine the immunocrit (IC; a quantification of immunoglobulins) and levels of serum AAs.ResultsThe IC (FC: 0.148a, LH: 0.153a, GH: 0.117b) as well as serum levels of arginine, leucine, lysine, proline and threonine within 48 h p.n. were significantly lower in GH. Additionally, in general, these piglets showed (except for the first week of life) the lowest average daily weight gain. On the day of weaning, piglets in GH had the lowest levels of arginine (in mg/dL; FC: 3.68a, LH: 3.40ab, GH: 2.94b) and threonine (in mg/dL; FC: 3.59a, LH: 3.02ab, GH: 2.49b). The concentrations of leucine, lysine, proline and valine at this time were significantly lower in LH.ConclusionThe observed significant lower IC indicates a lower Ig intake of piglets in the tested GH. No significant differences regarding the IC and AA levels within 48 h p.n. of the piglets in FC and LH could be seen. In principle, differences at weaning in AA levels were rather small, although the body weight of GH piglets at weaning was lower. Therefore, further research needs to clarify whether there are medium-term effects on health and performance.
Highlights
The conventional farrowing crate is criticised due to the limited mobility of sows during farrowing and lactation
When comparing all sows (n = 149) or sows whose piglets were sampled for IC (n = 75), the number of weaned piglets was lowest in the loose housing (LH) group and the mortality rate was lowest in the farrowing crates (FC) group
For sows whose piglets were sampled for amino acid (AA) (n = 18), there was no difference in weaned piglets and piglet mortality
Summary
The conventional farrowing crate is criticised due to the limited mobility of sows during farrowing and lactation. Schnier et al Porcine Health Management (2019) 5:14 nutrients, which should be taken in by newborn piglets shortly after birth [2, 10, 12,13,14] It is important for growth and thermoregulation [15, 16]. In addition to body reserves, BW and the colostrum supply of piglets, another factor influencing the survival of neonates is the housing system of sows [31]. Little is known about how alternative housing systems could influence the piglets’ supply of colostrum and AAs in serum. The objective of the current experiment was to study the effects of three different farrowing systems (farrowing crate, loose housing, group housing) of lactating sows on the IC, serum AA concentrations and growth parameters in light and heavy piglets
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