Individual differences in the behaviour of sows at the nest-site and the crushing of piglets

摘要: Abstract This study examines the relationship between individual differences in behaviour of sows, Sus scrofa , and piglet mortality caused by crushing. Continuous 24-h video recordings were made 11 loose-housed sows their litters during parturition, following 10 days. Each sow litter kept a pen with straw-bedded nest-site. Piglets defined as danger being crushed if they trapped sow's body or jumped aside response to lying down rolling at An overall score (derived from five behavioural measures) quality relation crushing was computed for each sow. significantly correlated number piglets first days after farrowing. The also scored respect responsiveness playbacks distress calls. Sows high had fewer crushed. Both sows' calls negatively percentage liveborn (born several months before present study) which primary cause death. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that occurrence is related behaviour.