
The aim of our study was to assess the welfare of pregnant sows housed in collective pens, based on indicators such as behavior, skin lesions and lameness in two commercial farms where the floor area (A- continuous, B- slatted) and environmental enrichment have been different. Observations were made on 120 pregnant sows (LandracexLarge White), during pregnancy period. Behavior was assessed by direct observation, and each event was expressed in terms of total active behavioural manifestation. Skin lesions were rated on a three degree scale from 0 to 2 (absence of lesions, surface lesions, severe lesions). Investigation behavior was clearly shown in B pens (67%) compared with A (52%) in the first and last weeks of gestation; a high incidence of positive social interactions was recorded in A pens (21%). Number of sows with lameness was higher in A pens (3,9%) compared with B pens (1,7%), and the skin lesions of 4,5% in B pens. All indicators monitored have recorded changes in both pen types. The welfare of pregnant sows should be evaluated using different criteria depending on breeding technology.
welfare, Technology, pregnant sows, S, T, Science, Q, Agriculture, behaviour, housed
welfare, Technology, pregnant sows, S, T, Science, Q, Agriculture, behaviour, housed
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
