The suckling behaviour of domestic pigs in a semi-natural environment

摘要: The suckling behaviour of domestic pigs living in a socially and ecologically rich outdoor environment was examined order to obtain baseline for comparison with more restricted barren environments. It found that the piglets' growth rates were not consistently influenced by their location along udder, concept dominance at udder justified. Crowding probably an important factor prompting piglets seek milk solid food elsewhere, two switched from own mother another sow. True communal exhibited. Piglets responsible locating preferred teat defending it others. Sows did attempt prevent familiar other litters them, although they sometimes terminated bout when disturbed fights udder. Synchronization between common. Suckling bouts always result let-down, indicating this is phenomenon exclusive intensive housing systems. Weaning occurred naturally 60 100 days after birth, its timing varied both within but closely linked amount aggression received