Piglet Losses Research Articles

Analysis of Reproductive Parameters in Sows with Regard to Their Health Status

The aim of the study was to evaluate selected reproductive parameters in sows. Observed parameters were analysed in two herds with different health status. The experiment involved 160 hybrid sows from the 1st to the 5th litter (80 sows with health status A and 80 sows with health status B). Highly statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) and significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between the two groups in length of gravidity, total numbers of piglets, numbers of live-born piglets, numbers of stillborn piglets, numbers of reared piglets and losses of piglets per litter in favor of group B with declared health status. Evaluation of phenotypic correlation between the total number of piglets and the live-born piglets in the sows without declared health status revealed high positive correlation (P ≤ 0.01). Strong positive dependence was found also between the live-born and the reared piglets in this group. In the sows with declared health status, high positive correlation (P ≤ 0.01) was found also between the total number of piglets and the number of live-born piglets and between the number of live-born and reared piglets.

Does housing influence maternal behaviour in sows?

Farrowing crates prevent sows during lactation from moving freely and interacting unrestrictedly with their piglets. The aim of this study was to compare sows during lactation in a group-housing system (GH; n=23) and sows in a conventional single-housing system (SH; n=24) with regard to their maternal behaviour. GH sows were only fixed in their pens three days ante partum until one day post partum. For the remaining amount of time they were able to choose between their home pen and a shared running area. Piglets were able to leave their pens on day five post partum. Data were collected in four batches with six sows in each housing system. All sows were observed in week 2 and week 4 of lactation in six successive tests concerning their maternal behaviour. The sows’ reaction to piglet distress calls, separation from and reunion with their piglets was tested both in their home pens and in a test arena for a maximum of five minutes. The test arena (3.9m×3.7m) provided a piglet nest in a corner. The sows were only able to hear and smell their piglets. In the piglet scream test in the home pen, GH sows were more responsive to piglet screaming than SH sows. GH sows showed more body movements towards their screaming piglets and aggressiveness towards the experimenter (p<0.05) as well as stronger postural reactions at the end of the test; i.e. standing (p<0.05). However, in the piglet scream test in the test arena, SH sows remained near their handled piglet more frequently (p<0.05) and vocalised more frequently (p<0.05). Whereas, GH sows tended to explore the test arena more (p<0.10). During the separation test in the home pen, no behavioural differences between GH and SH sows could be obtained. During the separation test in the test arena, all sows remained near the piglet nest with their piglets. Furthermore, SH sows walked more (p<0.05), while GH sows explored the test arena more frequently (p<0.05). In the reunion test in the home pen, GH sows tended to vocalise more frequently (p<0.10). No behavioural differences could be found between GH and SH sows in the reunion test in the test arena. Regarding total piglet losses (e.g. crushing, underweight, runting, spay legs), GH sows had lower total losses compared to SH sows (p<0.05). Furthermore, GH sows crushed fewer piglets than SH sows (p<0.05). To conclude, GH sows showed stronger behavioural reactions in the home pen and SH sows in the test arena. Thus, the housing system has an effect on maternal behaviour. Further research is needed to obtain more information, if the significantly lower piglet losses of GH sows are related to the stronger maternal reactions in the home pens of these sows and to the housing conditions ante partum.

Management of large litters in piglet production

In recent years, the number of live-born piglets per litter has increased tremendously. Litters of 15 or even up to 20 piglets are no longer uncommon. Due to this increased fertility, the demands placed on the sows rise as they are expected to rear a large number of healthy and vital piglets until weaning. On the other hand, there is also a higher demand for good management of the sows and litters during the lactation period. To reduce piglet losses, to achieve a high growth performance of piglets in large litters and to maintain the lactating sows in good health and body condition, sows and piglets need to be supported by different management activities during the entire lactation period, which are presented in this article.

Identification and Complete Genome of Seneca Valley Virus in Vesicular Fluid and Sera of Pigs Affected with Idiopathic Vesicular Disease, Brazil.

Numerous, ongoing outbreaks in Brazilian swine herds have been characterized by vesicular lesions in sows and acute losses of neonatal piglets. The complete genome of Seneca Valley virus (SVV) was identified in vesicular fluid and sera of sows, providing evidence of association between SVV and vesicular disease and viraemia in affected animals.

Estimation of genetic parameters and breeding values across challenged environments to select for robust pigs.

Robustness is an important issue in the pig production industry. Since pigs from international breeding organizations have to withstand a variety of environmental challenges, selection of pigs with the inherent ability to sustain their productivity in diverse environments may be an economically feasible approach in the livestock industry. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and breeding values across different levels of environmental challenge load. The challenge load (CL) was estimated as the reduction in reproductive performance during different weeks of a year using 925,711 farrowing records from farms distributed worldwide. A wide range of levels of challenge, from favorable to unfavorable environments, was observed among farms with high CL values being associated with confirmed situations of unfavorable environment. Genetic parameters and breeding values were estimated in high- and low-challenge environments using a bivariate analysis, as well as across increasing levels of challenge with a random regression model using Legendre polynomials. Although heritability estimates of number of pigs born alive were slightly higher in environments with extreme CL than in those with intermediate levels of CL, the heritabilities of number of piglet losses increased progressively as CL increased. Genetic correlations among environments with different levels of CL suggest that selection in environments with extremes of low or high CL would result in low response to selection. Therefore, selection programs of breeding organizations that are commonly conducted under favorable environments could have low response to selection in commercial farms that have unfavorable environmental conditions. Sows that had experienced high levels of challenge at least once during their productive life were ranked according to their EBV. The selection of pigs using EBV ignoring environmental challenges or on the basis of records from only favorable environments resulted in a sharp decline in productivity as the level of challenge increased. In contrast, selection using the random regression approach resulted in limited change in productivity with increasing levels of challenge. Hence, we demonstrate that the use of a quantitative measure of environmental CL and a random regression approach can be comprehensively combined for genetic selection of pigs with enhanced ability to maintain high productivity in harsh environments.

Effect of Housing of Lactating Sows on Their Reproductive Performance and Losses of Piglets From Birth to Weaning

The objective of this study was to evaluate selected reproductive parametres of sows stabled in farrowing houses with different technologies and losses of piglets from birth to weaning. Each variant involved 40 sows and 40 litters and the aim was to demonstrate the effect of the housing on losses of piglets. One variant (housing A) was modern while the other (housing B) was older. The total number of piglets reached in housing A was 13.18 ± 1.85 against 13.03 ± 1.91 in housing B. The values of live-born piglets reached 11.50 ± 1.36 in housing A against 11.36 ± 1.46 in housing B. The number of stillborn piglets found in housing A was 1.68 ± 1.49 and in housing B 1.65 ± 1.17. The differences found between the groups in the total number of piglets and the number of live-born and stillborn piglets are not statistically significant. The number of reared piglets was 10.03 ± 1.33 in housing A versus 8.78 ± 1.56 in housing B. In group of sows in farrowing house A (housing A) the recorded loss of piglets in pieces was 1.48 ± 1.04 against 2.60 ± 1.63 in housing B. In percentage the loss of piglets in housing A reached 12.56 ± 8.50 versus 22.29 ± 13.46 in housing B. Statistical analysis of the numbers of reared piglets and losses of piglets proved highly statistically signifficant differences (P ≤ 0.001).

Effects of various procedures for synchronisation of parturition in sows. Assessment of sows with a complication-free birth.

The effects of various parturition controlling measures in sows on the relevant parameters for parturition were investigated. A total of 1975 study animals were divided into five groups: control group: A (n=710); trial groups: B (n=719), C (n=180), D (n=175), E (n=191). The control group (A) included sows that spontaneously farrowed until day114 of gestation. The remaining sows were administered a PGF2α-analogue (175µg cloprostenol) on day114. All sows that farrowed within 24hours after prostaglandin-medication were summarised in trial groupB. Dams that did not farrow until day115 were either administered oxytocin (20 IU i.m., groupC) or carbetocin in two different doses (70µg, groupD or 35µg, groupE). The sows were monitored during the peripartal period over 24hours. 83.8% of the farrowings were without any complications. The percentage of dystocia varied between the individual groups. Given a complication-free farrowing the expulsion stage began 13.0hours (groupB), 2.4hours (groupC), 1.6hours (groupD) and 1.4hours (groupE) after medication. The expulsion interval of the farrowing of two piglets decreased from 21.1minutes with spontaneous farrowings (groupA) to 18.6 minutes (groupE) as a result of the administration of 35µg carbetocin. The rate of stillborn piglets as well as the incidence of puerperal disorders and the losses of the suckling piglets also gradually, partly even significantly (p≤0.05) decreased from groupA to E. The results of this study show that the use of the long-acting oxytocin carbetocin has advantages compared to oxytocin (e. g. shortened duration of birth, reduction of stillbirths). The tested dosages of carbetocin (35µg or 70µg) proved to be equally effective. Administration of the lower dose is recommended, since this reduces use of the active ingredient.

Analysis of possible influence of conjugated linoleic acid on growth performance and losses of piglets.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of supplementing the feed ration for lactating sows with the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the growth performance and losses of piglets from birth to weaning. The monitoring comprised 20 litters in control and 20 litters in experimental group of Czech Large White × Czech Landrace hybrid combination sows. The control group was given a standard feed mixture for lactating sows, and experimental group was fed with the feed mixture supplemented with 2% of CLA, from the day of farrowing to the weaning of piglets, that is for the time of 28 days. The results of the experiment indicate the significantly better parameters of the numbers of reared piglets in the experimental group and the related lower level of losses of piglets from birth to weaning (p < 0.01). However, the feed mixture for lactating sows enriched in conjugated linoleic acid had no significant effect on the growth performance of piglets from birth to weaning (p > 0.05). Sows in the experimental group showed earlier onset of post-partal oestrus after weaning of piglets (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the supplementation of diet for lactating sows with CLA can improve survival of piglets from birth to weaning and shortening of weaning-to-oestrous interval in sows.

Environmental impacts of the pork supply chain with regard to farm performance

SUMMARYLivestock production is increasingly facing consumer concern about the environmental impact of different production systems. In order to provide a detailed insight into the contribution of pork production, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of average German pork production was performed. In this way, the global warming potential was estimated at 3·22 kg CO2-eq/kg pork, eutrophication at 23·3 g PO4-eq and acidification at 57·1 g SO2-eq. The functional unit was 1 kg pork as a slaughter weight. The analysis aimed at identifying those farm parameters which had most impact on the LCA results. For that purpose, a deterministic pig farm model was developed which reflected all the processes of a pig farm, while focusing on five distinct areas: general farm information, biological performance, basic feed data, manure management and resource use and emissions. In this way, it was possible to vary the level of performance parameters from farrowing (piglet losses and number of piglets born alive per litter) and finishing stage (lean-meat content, daily weight gain, animal losses and feed conversion ratio). The number of piglets born alive, the lean-meat content and the feed conversion ratio were identified as having the greatest influence on the results. In comparison with average pork production, the values of the impact categories increased and decreased by up to 4·7%. The results show that the fertility of sows and the feed management of finishers should be optimized to mitigate environmental impacts at pig farm level.

Are pharmacological interventions between conception and birth effective in improving reproductive outcomes in North American swine?

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of using pharmacological compounds on reproductive outcomes, particularly litter size, in North American swine. While the opportunity to improve reproduction in North American pigs exists, numerous hurdles need to be overcome in order to achieve measureable results. In the swine industry, the majority of piglet losses are incurred during pregnancy and around farrowing. Over the last 20 years, a reduction in losses has been achieved through genetic selection and nutritional management; however, these topics are the focus of other reviews. This review will evaluate attempts to improve litter size by reducing losses at various stages of the reproductive process, from the time of conception to the time of farrowing, using pharmacological compounds. Generally, these compounds are used to either alter physiological processes related to fertilization, embryonic attachment or uterine capacity, etc., or to facilitate management aspects of the breeding females such as inducing parturition. Although some of the pharmacological agents reviewed here show some positive effects on improving reproductive parameters, the inconsistent results and associated risks usually outweigh the benefits gained. Thus, at the present time, the use of pharmacological agents to enhance reproduction in North American swine may only be recommended for herds with low fertility and presents an avenue of research that could be further explored.

Use of repopulation for optimizing sow reproductive performance and piglet loss

The objective of this study was to analyse sow reproductive performance and piglet loss from birth to weaning before and after repopulation of a selected farm. The observation was carried out on a productive sow farm; 160 sows were included in the experiment. Before repopulation, 80 sows from the 1stto the 5thlitter were evaluated. The original population of sows was removed. Repopulated (newly stocked) group consisted of 80 gilts at the 1stlitter. Newly delivered gilts with a status of minimum disease were placed into a decontaminated stable with a strict batch, black and white breeding system with stringent hygienic provisions. The piglets were weaned at the mean age of 28 ± 3 days. A very highly significant difference (P≤ 0.001) in favour of the repopulated group of sows was found in the evaluation of the total number of piglets, the number of live-born piglets and the number of stillborn piglets in %; a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) in favour of the repopulated group of sows was found in the number of stillborn piglets. In reared piglets and losses of piglets, both in numbers and percentage, a highly significant difference (P≤ 0.001) was found in favour of the repopulated group. This study brings important information on the benefits of repopulation pig breeding.

Evaluation of selected reproductive parametres in gilts and loss of piglets after repopulation

The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parametres of reproduction in sows in the first litter and piglets loss from birth to weaning after repopulation in a production sow herd. Observed parametres were evaluated in two commercial programs. An experimental group consisted of 80 gilts (40 in commercial program A and 40 in commercial programm B). Gained values of the total number of piglets per litter were 16.23 ± 2.26 from gilts in the program A and 15.63 ± 2.13 from gilts in the program B. Evaluation of live-born piglets per litter showed numbers of 14.74 ± 2.09 in the program A and 14.50 ± 2.10 in the program B. Numbers of stillborn piglets per litter were 1.48 ± 1.30 for gilts in the program A against 1.13 ± 1.42 for gilts in the program B and numbers of reared piglets per litter were 13.20 ± 1.52 in the program A against 13.68 ± 2.00 in the program B. Statistical evaluation confirmed no significant differences between the two commertial programs in the selected reproductive parametres. Piglet losses from birth to weaning were also evaluated. In the program A 1.55 ± 1.48 piglets were lost per a gilt against 0.83 ± 1.39 in the program B. The percentage of piglet loss was 9.55 ± 9.04 in the program A and 5.28 ± 8.67 in the program B. The statisticaly significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) was proved between the two commercial programs. The values found by the experiment in both programs can be considered very competitive therefore recovery by the means of repopulation and induction of SPF herds can be recommended.

Analysis of piglet losses in farrowing houses with different technologies

The aim of this study was to analyse the losses of piglets caused by different factors (due to overlaying, biting and/or other reasons) within the period from birth to weaning, reared with their mothers in different types of housing technology. The experiment involved 90 hybrid sows (Czech Large White x Czech Landrace) housed in two farrowing houses with two different types of technology. Each experimental variant involved 45 sows with 45 litters and the aim was to demonstrate the effect of the technology on losses of piglets. One variant (Technology I) was modern and originated from the year 2002 while the other (Technology II) was older (1994). Piglets were weaned in age of 28 days. The obtained results indicate that the overlaying was the most significant cause of piglet losses till the age of 7 days. As far as the overlaying as a cause of losses was concerned, there was a highly significant differences between both technologies (P &lt; 0.001) in sows on the 2nd and 3rd litter while on the 4th and 5th litter the differences between both technologies were only significant (P &lt; 0.05). The effect of biting and other causes of losses till the age of 7 days was insignificant. As compared with the first week of life, the losses within the period from the 8th day of life to the day of weaning were very low. It was demonstrated that the technology of housing of lactating sows influenced losses of piglets within the period from birth to weaning. In general, it can be concluded that in a more modern Technology I the parameters of sow performance were better than in the older Technology II, where the analysed losses from birth to weaning were higher. This indicates that it is very important to modernize technologies installed in farrowing houses.

Group housing for lactating sows with electronically controlled crates: 1. Reproductive traits, body condition, and feed intake

The aim was to compare a group housing system (GROUP) and a conventional single housing (SINGLE) for lactating sows with regard to the performance of sows and piglets. Data of 132 cross-breed sows were collected in 11 batches with 6 sows in GROUP and SINGLE in each batch. The GROUP had single pens (4.7 m(2)) with electronically controlled crates and a shared running area (13 m(2)). The sows in GROUP were retained in the crates 3 d prepartum until 1 d postpartum. Piglets were able to leave the single pens on d 5 postpartum. Recorded traits per litter included the number of piglets born alive and weaned, piglet losses, and individual BW at birth and weaning. In addition, body condition and back fat thickness before and after lactation (26 d) and the daily feed intake of the sows were measured. Gilts and sows were analyzed separately. The reproductive traits did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between the farrowing systems with exception of the weaning weights (GROUP = 7.6 ± 0.12 kg vs. SINGLE = 8.1 ± 0.12 kg; P < 0.05). Group housed and SINGLE sows had 14.4 ± 0.47 and 14.6 ± 0.45 piglets born alive, respectively. In both housing systems, sows weaned 11.4 piglets (SEM = 0.14 and 0.13 for GROUP and SINGLE), respectively. Most piglet losses (72%) occurred during the first 3 d postpartum. At this point in time, piglets in GROUP and SINGLE were housed in single pens. In the single pens, GROUP sows could leave the farrowing crate whereas SINGLE sows were fixed in crates during the whole lactation. In total, piglet losses were not significantly different during lactation between GROUP and SINGLE treatments (2.2 ± 0.05 and 2.4 ± 0.05 piglets per litter, respectively). Sows housed in GROUP had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) BCS (2.2 ± 0.05) after lactation compared with SINGLE sows (BCS = 2.4 ± 0.05). This development could not be verified using the back fat thickness value at weaning (GROUP = 14.4 ± 0.25 mm vs. SINGLE = 14.6 ± 0.23 mm). Daily feed intake was significantly greater for GROUP sows (6.4 ± 0.08 kg per day) than SINGLE sows (6.15 ± 0.08 kg per day; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the performance of GROUP and SINGLE sows was similar with the exception of lighter weaning weights in GROUP housing.

Characteristics of organic pig farms in selected European countries and their possible influence on litter size and piglet mortality

Better knowledge of piglet losses around birth and during lactation, and the role of litter size, housing and management characteristics, should help to identify critical points and hence to improve the situation in organic pig farms. For this purpose, a project was initiated in five EU countries collecting interview data, measures of animal and housing characteristics and production records. This paper presents results regarding production characteristics from 82 herds. Among them, 42 farms were included in an analysis based on the production records. Based on sows’ housing system during the first 2 weeks after farrowing, farms were classified as “indoor” (n = 49) or “outdoor” (n = 33). For each group, a multiple correspondence analysis and subsequent hierarchical classification were carried out to identify distinct farm categories. In total, 30 variables from the questionnaires and measured characteristics were used after binary transformation when necessary. Three types of indoor farms and two types of outdoor farms were identified. Regarding litter size at birth and weaning, there was no clear difference between all types of indoor farms and one type of outdoor farms, whereas the second type of outdoor farms, that were more “extensive”, had lower performance. Production records showed a detrimental influence of high farm average litter size at birth on piglet mortality and that high-standard deviation in litter size may exacerbate this problem.

Genetic parameters including the service sire effect for the sow traits stillbirth and piglet losses in Czech Large White and Landrace

&amp;nbsp;Genetic parameters including the proportion of variance for the service sire effect were estimated for number of piglets stillborn (including piglets died until 24 h after birth) and number of piglets died from 24 h after birth until weaning in Czech Large White (89 231 litters) and Czech Landrace (28 320 litters) pigs. Both traits were considered to be traits of the sow. Two two-trait animal models were evaluated for each breed including or excluding the service sire effect. Estimates of genetic parameters were very similar for the two models. The heritability for number of stillborn piglets was 0.06 in both breeds and both models and the heritability for number of piglets died until weaning was 0.07 in Czech Large White and 0.05 to 0.06 in Czech Landrace. The proportion of variance due to service sire was very low (between 0.8 and 1.6%). Therefore, there is no need to include the service sire effect in models for genetic evaluation. A selection against farrowing losses is recommended though only a slow improvement of the trait can be expected. Selecting against piglets died until weaning seems to be cumbersome. Probably a selection on number of piglets weaned could be helpful in minimizing piglet losses until weaning. &amp;nbsp;

Study Concerning the Improvement of Piglet Maintenance Conditions for Ecological Breeding

In this article we want to put into evidence some alternatives of piglets’ maintenance, from parturition to weaning, as aim to improve the breeding conditions. As it is mentioned in the specialty literature this period is crucial because are registered the greatest losses of piglets, fact that leads to especially great losses on technologic flow. Another aspect of this article refers to the fact that it wants to put into evidence a maintenance possibility by medication elimination and replacing with more simple alternatives and more economic as concern the costs in conditions of ecological breeding system. The medication persistency, especially of antibiotics, which are found in pork meat since piglet age, has negative effects on final consumer.

Unterschiedliche Perforationsgrade des Stallbodens im Kastenstand

Three different fl ooring treatments were evaluated for their impact on performance, health, behaviour and cleanliness of nursing sows with 472 litters: A = Perforation of < 10 %, B = Perforation of approx. 40 % within the entire crate, C = Combination of A and B. Reproductive performance, growth and losses of piglets were not infl uenced by the varying degrees of perforation. Treatment B resulted in more relaxed behavioural state and better stand of sows but also increased in tendency the risk for injuries on claws, udder and the integument. Treatment B had a positive effect on the incidence of injuries on the legs and teats of piglets. The low degree of perforation resulted in a signifi cant increase in dirtiness of fl oor and animals.

Pre-lying behaviour patterns in confined sows and their effects on crushing of piglets

Abstract In order to determine the influences of different posture patterns of sows on piglet losses, the present study aimed at the analysis of different elements of pre-lying behaviour peri and post partum. Over the course of 1 year, the behaviour of 386 German Landrace sows (with 438 pure-bred litters) in a nucleus herd was videotaped continuously starting 12 h ante partum until 48 h post partum. From these animals, 40 sows were randomly sampled with a block-data design. Twenty sows which crushed one or more than one piglet (designated as C-sows) were compared to 20 sows which crushed no piglets (designated as NC-sows). The analysis covered the frequency, duration and manner of the sows’ pre-lying behaviour. Combinations with other positions were assessed. The piglets’ resting-activity cycles and their location regarding the sow were also recorded. The respective behaviour was calculated according to the differences between NC-sows and C-sows. Results showed that post partum, NC-sows – in particular primiparous ones – performed ‘sniffing’ as an element of pre-lying behaviour significantly more often and with longer duration (30 s) than primiparous C-sows. Before ‘kneeling down on their front legs’ and changing into ‘lateral recumbency’, the primiparous NC-sows ‘sniffed’ more often than the C-sows (P

Characterisation of sows’ postures and posture changes with regard to crushing piglets

The aim of this study was to analyse different behavioural traits of sows to describe posture changes and to determine the influences of these traits on piglet losses. The behaviour of 386 German Landrace sows (with 438 pure-bred litters) was videotaped continuously starting 12 h prepartum until 48 h postpartum in a nucleus herd for 1 year. From this population, 40 sows were randomly sampled with a block data design. Twenty sows which crushed one or more than one piglet (C-sows) were compared to 20 sows which crushed no piglets (NC-sows). The postural behavioural traits were analysed according to duration, manner and frequencies of positions (descending-from-standing-lying behaviour, standing-up behaviour) as well as the time taken for various posture changes. Each respective trait was calculated according to the difference between NC-sows and C-sows. Results revealed that prepartum, NC-sows were more restless; primiparous ones in particular performed more posture changes ( P = 0.109) and tended to stand up more often ( P < 0.01). Additionally, they stood more often ( P < 0.05) and performed nest-building behaviour with higher frequencies, particularly in the seventh ( P < 0.01) and sixth hours ( P < 0.1) before parturition and with longer durations than C-sows. Postpartum, NC-sows performed no different activities in movement pattern compared to C-sows. However, compared to primiparous NC-sows, primiparous C-sows showed more rolling movements ( P < 0.01). C-sows preferred ventral recumbency within rolling movements ( P < 0.05) and as the final position of descending from standing to lying ( P < 0.1). Furthermore, the bouts of sitting behaviour of C-sows were much longer than of NC-sows, especially multiparous ones ( P < 0.01). NC-sows performed lateral recumbency much longer and also more often as the final position of descending from standing to lying ( P < 0.01). These results suggested that posture patterns of NC-sows and C-sows are different, especially nest-building behaviour prepartum and ventral or lateral recumbence postpartum, indicating a possible use to characterise the maternal abilities of sows in minimising piglet crushing.