Behaviour of pre-pubertal gilts and its relationship to farrowing behaviour in conventional farrowing crates and loose-housed pens

摘要: Individual variation in the reproductive performance of sows has potential for greater negative impacts loose-farrowing systems. Therefore, ability to select gilts that will perform well would be a major advantage. This study investigated behaviour during pre-pubertal tests and farrowing conventional crates PigSAFE (Piglet Sow Alternative Farrowing Environment) pens. Gilts underwent two phases behavioural testing. First, were subjected three individual human interaction startle object randomly allocated test sessions over 3 days (i.e. had either or first). Three weeks later, novel tests, their stable group six. farrowed pens was observed 8 h from first piglet birth. Data analysed using linear mixed models Spearman's rank correlations. A finding effect order: behaved differently. The different whichever type, with higher latency interact human, experiencing interacted more all subsequent tests. showed differences behaviour, most notably, lower frequency piglet-directed aggression seen (P < 0.05). Piglet-directed studied further by comparing exhibited no aggression, those showing aggressive but injurious biting, causing injury death. latter severely spent time alert, focused standing (P < 0.05) compared other groups tended show (P < 0.1) contact duration test. crushed one piglets slower (P = 0.038) test, than did not crush. impact on indicates previous experience could influencing behaviour. Differences severe between ‘crushers’ ‘non-crushers’ suggests it possible use predict maternal ability.