Abstract
The use of a pen during lactation provides sows with more space so they can turn around freely. They are an alternative to the physically and behaviourally more restrictive farrowing crates. Previous studies have compared data from multiple pork production units using different farrowing accommodation types. This study was carried out on one commercial pig farm using two lactation systems. The objective was to examine the effect that the accommodation (pens with temporary crating until 4 days postpartum, or farrowing crates for the duration of lactation) had on the productivity of sows and piglets. Performance data was obtained from 394 sows (4706 live born piglets) in combination pens, and 338 sows (3987 live born piglets) in crates over 14 farrowing batches. Pre-weaning piglet mortality (PWM%) was significantly higher in the pen system (10.23%) than in the crate system (6.10%) (P<0.0001). Penned sows were released from the temporary crate on the fourth day of lactation. A greater proportion of piglets died in the combination pens (38.8%) than in the crates (30.43%) during the period extending from the fourth day of lactation until weaning (P<0.0001). Total pigs weaned per litter differed (P=0.0024) between pen (10.54±0.052) and crate systems (10.76±0.065). The accommodation in which a sow farrowed and lactated had no significant effect on subsequent reproductive performance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
