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Blomberg, Maria, 2010. Maternal behaviour in pigs and its relation to piglet performance and survival. First cycle, G2E. Uppsala: SLU, Dept. of Animal Breeding and Genetics (until 231231)

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Abstract

Piglet survival is of importance because it affects the farmer’s economy and the welfare of the pigs. There are several factors affecting piglet survival and they are often linked to each other. This paper will focus on how the behaviour of the sow can affect the growth and survival of the piglets and also possible causations of differences in maternal behaviour. Sows in intensive production systems have different possibilities to express their maternal behaviour than free ranging sows. They often live in small pens or crates, have fewer choices because of the restricted environment and are depended on human provided resources. One of the major problems in piglet production is that piglets are crushed by the sow and then dies from traumatic injury or suffocation. Sow behaviour when she lies down or when she has a piglet under her body affects the mortality and the risk of injures on piglets. Also, sow behaviour during farrowing can affect piglet survival in a positive or negative way. There are differences in nursing patterns between sows. The variation in maternal behaviour between sows can therefore be of interest, in order to find a way to reduce piglet mortality and increase growth.

Main title:Maternal behaviour in pigs and its relation to piglet performance and survival
Authors:Blomberg, Maria
Supervisor:Grandinson, Katja
Examiner:Wallenbeck, Anna
Series:Examensarbete / SLU, Institutionen för husdjursgenetik
Volume/Sequential designation:315
Year of Publication:2010
Level and depth descriptor:First cycle, G2E
Student's programme affiliation:VK001 Animal Science - Bachelor's Programme 180 HEC
Supervising department:(VH) > Dept. of Animal Breeding and Genetics (until 231231)
Keywords:sow, maternal behaviour, piglet survival, piglet mortality, piglet growth
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-6-309
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-6-309
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Animal husbandry
Veterinary science and hygiene - General aspects
Language:English
Deposited On:01 Jul 2010 07:54
Metadata Last Modified:20 Apr 2012 14:14

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