The effect of air movement on the activity, lying position and huddling behaviour of weaned piglets.

Abstract

An experiment was carried out in a 55-sow, specific pathogen-free commercial unit, to observe the behavioural adaptation of newly weaned pigs (7 to 10 kg) to air movement in a typical weaner pen. Direct air currents were generated by a fan placed at 4 positions around the pen. Observations were made of activity, lying position, huddling and orientation. Increased activity was observed when the wind was directed on to the preferred lying area of the pigs. The pigs usually moved out of the region of greatest air movement and indirect currents appeared to be more favourable. Wind inhibited huddling in the pigs when it was directed over the lying area but orientation was unaffected. Social factors were important in the choice of lying position. The percentage of pigs huddling gave a behavioural indication of the suitability of the husbandry environment for production and welfare.