PGF2α-induced nest building and choice behaviour in female domestic pigs

摘要: The domestic pig, Sus scrofa, builds a maternal nest in the day before parturition. A model for porcine building has been established, which exogenously administered prostaglandin (PG)F-2 alpha is used to induce nesting behaviour cyclic, pseudopregnant and pregnant pigs. This experiment was designed examine effect of PGF(2 alpha) on preferences non-pregnant gilts pens bedded with straw compared bare pens. Ten 6-month-old nulliparous female pigs (gilts) were tested an arena, consisted four (1.8 m x 1.7 m), neutral area (1.5 3.4 m) start m). Two contained 2 kg fresh remainder testing arena devoid straw. On first half given control intramuscular injection 3 ml 0.9% saline 15 mg their scored 1 h after treatment. following treatments reversed, such that each pig both (saline or alpha)). There no significant order treatment behaviour. After saline-treatment spent most time containing (59%) least amount (5%). In pens, induced bouts oronasal contact relatively long duration (11-100 s), we interpret as foraging. hour alpha)-treatment also (44%) (10%), but they interacted markedly different way. alpha)-treated displayed short (2-10 s) which, together high frequencies pawing at straw, lifting carrying mouth, Superimposed this finding spend more areas than did saline-treatment. engaged within gathered deposited test (neutral areas); behaviours not seen We conclude generally prefer pen bedding alters way interact inducing similar prepartum building. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.