[Field trial of an open pen - comparison of two different types of farrowing pens]. / Eine alternative Abferkelbucht im Feldversuch ­ direkter Vergleich zweier Abferkelsysteme.

OBJECTIVE: Direct comparison of an alternative farrowing pen with a conventional gestation crate in the farrowing area, with a focus on animal welfare and performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over one year, data of 129 sows and their 2109 piglets (thereof 1935 live births) were obtained in seven passes. In total, 65 sows (experimental group, VG) were stalled in a farrowing pen with an openable crate, while 64 sows (control group, KG) were maintained in a closed farrowing pen (gestation crate). The body condition score (BCS) was evaluated for the sows while losses and weight were assessed for the piglets. The evaluation was performed 9-10 days after the mother sows were stalled (evaluation time point 1 = BZP1) and 21 days later (BZP2). In the VG, the crate was opened 5-17 days after farrowing. The experimental protocol scheduled the opening after day 7, which is why evaluation was conducted both by days (period [ZR] 1 from days 1-7, ZR2 from day 8 onwards) and based on crate opening (open: group Vo, closed: group Vg). RESULTS: The mean piglet growth (VG: 5169.4 ± 787.9 g; KG: 5304.2 ± 873.3 g) did not differ significantly. The BCS of the sows at BZP1 (VG: 3.30 ± 0.47; KG: 3.33 ± 0.52) was almost equivalent in both groups, whereas at BZP2, the sows in the VG were significantly (p = 0.001) better conditioned (VG: 2.82 ± 0.54; KG: 2.50 ± 0.48). There were no significant differences in the total losses between VG and KG. From days 1-7, the relative crushing losses in the VG with the pen closed were significantly (p = 0.016) lower than in the KG. From day 8 onwards, no significant difference between the groups Vo and Vg was observed. The mean number of liveborn piglets per sow was 15.1 in the VG and 14.9 in the KG. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With immobilization of the sow during the neonatal period of the piglets, the tested farrowing pen proved to be an alternative to a gestation crate for this farm in terms of the production data. Because losses are not only associated with the housing system, a combination of this more animal-friendly farrowing pen with a different genetic approach (less piglets/litter) may yield breeding results similar to the conventional system.

[A comparison of different farrowing systems - Part 1: Effects on the activity of the sow]. / Ein Vergleich verschiedener Abferkelsysteme.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a 3-axis accelerometer (MSR® 145B V5.106, MSR Electronics GmbH, Seuzach, Switzerland) can continuously record and display the activity behaviour of sows over the farrowing period. A standing position was defined as activity and non-standing positions as rest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The field trial was conducted from April 2016 to January 2017 (six successive runs, 39 sows). The sows were either maintained in an alternative farrowing system with an openable crate ("Petra" [P] and "Freya" [F]) or in a conventional crate (K). The temporary fixation from the day of stabling was opened in P and F at a mean of 10 days (± 2.9) after the birth of the piglets. With the logger, the behaviour (standing/non-standing) was recorded and the data was used to create an individual raw data profile with more than 2.5 million measured values for each sow over a period of 5 weeks (measurement every second). During this period, five phases were compared (three in fixation, day of opening the crate and one phase after opening the crate). RESULTS: The sows in F displayed the greatest mean activity in each phase (except day of farrowing). During phase 2 (farrowing), all sows showed an increased activity independent of the housing system (P: 9.5 %, F: 8.1 %, K: 8.8 %). After farrowing (phase 3), the activity fell sharply, but increased again during this phase. On the day of opening the crate (phase 4), the activity of sows in P and F increased dramatically (P: 7.9 %, F: 8.0 %). After opening of the crate (phase 5), the sows in F displayed the greatest mean daily activity (8.3 %). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates that data collection using an accelerometer sensor was possible. In the alternative farrowing systems, the sows displayed a greater degree of activity in all defined phases in comparison with the K. Following opening of the crate, a larger space became available, enabling the sow to turn, which can be considered a progress towards a behaviourally more appropriate accommodation.

[Field study on loose farrowing in cold barns]. / Feldstudie zum freien Abferkeln im Kaltstall.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this field study was to examine the loose farrowing system in view of practicability, particularly to monitor piglet losses and their causes, on a farm proceeding in accordance with the BIO AUSTRIA production guidelines from summer 2015 until summer 2017. The so-called "Ethobox" (HAKA, Josef Häufele GmbH & Co. KG, Erbach-Dellmensingen, Germany) had been installed into two cold barns with access to outdoor areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The reproductive rate was recorded routinely on charts. Piglet losses were categorized as crushed piglets or other losses, and the timing of the loss was noted. RESULTS: In total, the data of 490 litters (sow: German Large White x German Landrace; boar: Pietrain/Pietrain x Duroc) were acquired (mean litter number: 2.5 ± 1.3; mean number of piglets born alive: 10.5 ± 2.8; mean number of stillborn piglets: 0.8 ± 1.7). A mean of 0.72 piglets were crushed per litter. Other piglet losses comprised 0.58 piglets per litter. Total piglet mortality amounted to 12.4 %. Of all the losses through crushing, 98.6 % were recorded within the first week of life. During this time period, 53.1 % of the other piglet losses occurred. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study confirms that the first week of life can be considered to be a "critical stage of life" for the piglets regarding losses through crushing. According to the results, the investigated farrowing system has been proven practicable for the farm. In particular, the smaller number of piglets born alive appears to play a considerable role when regarding the comparatively low number of piglet losses.

[Technopathies of the limbs in finishing pigs: risk factors, origin and impact on animal welfare - Study phase 1]. / Technopathien der Gliedmaßen bei Mastschweinen: Ursachen, Entstehung, Tierschutzrelevanz.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the first part of the present study was to specify risk factors for the development of adventitious bursae on the limbs of weaning and finishing pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 192 pigs were examined weekly, recording the following parameters: general condition, number, size and localization of adventitious bursae on the limbs and sternum, gait and claws. RESULTS: Adventitious bursae can occur at 13 positions on the limbs or sternum. These adventitious bursae were already evident when pigs were moved to the nursery. The prevalence of adventitious bursae increased constantly from weaning to slaughter. At the age of 24 weeks, 97.8 % of all investigated pigs displayed adventitious bursae (aged 4 weeks: 25.5 %; aged 12 weeks: 67.6 %). Heavier pigs had significantly more and larger adventitious bursae than lighter pigs of the same age. Furthermore, heavier pigs retrieved feed from the automatic feeder less frequently but ate larger amounts each time. In addition, pigs with poorer gait displayed significantly more adventitious bursae. In 95.6 % of all investigated pigs, claw lesions were evident at slaughter. The general condition was unaffected by adventitious bursae. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Referring to the results of the present study and the general function of bursae protecting underlying structure against pressure, there is no indication that adventitious bursae affect the animal welfare in terms of the sensation of pain. Influenced by various factors, adventitious bursae develop with high prevalence and number per animal over the course of the life of pigs and can be described as a technopathy. Because of the exposure of adventitious bursae, there is a risk to become an ulcerated bursa of degree three in relation to injuries.

[A comparison of different farrowing systems - Part 2: Performance data and effects on the lying down behaviour of the sows and the activity of the piglets]. / Ein Vergleich verschiedener Abferkelsysteme.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show the effects of alternative farrowing systems (pens with temporary crating) on the behaviour of sows and piglets. Moreover, performance data of sows in two different alternative farrowing pens and in the conventional crate were compared under practical conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the trial period (April 2016 - February 2017), production data from a total of 113 sows in two alternative farrowing pens ("Petra" [P] and "Freya" [F]) and in the conventional crate (K) were recorded. In behavioural observations of 103 sows and their piglets, the lying down behaviour of the sows according to defined parameters for a "careful" lying down behaviour and the activity behaviour of the piglets were documented. Furthermore, each crushing event of piglets was analysed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in production performance between the three different farrowing systems. The majority of crushing events occurred in the farrowing pens while crating. Sows in the two alternative farrowing pens showed a more careful lying down behaviour than sows in the crate. A significantly higher activity of the piglets in pen F could be shown in comparison with pens K and P throughout the entire observation period (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to the results, a reduction of the fixation in the crate and a greater space affects the behaviour of the sows in a positive manner. Moreover, a positive influence of the alternative farrowing pens on the piglets' behaviour could be demonstrated. On the basis of the production data recorded in this study, fixation of the sows over the entire suckling period to avoid piglet losses is not necessary and this practice cannot be justified regarding animal welfare.

[Technopathies of the limbs in finishing pigs: risk factors, origin and impact on animal welfare. - Study phase 2]. / Technopathien der Gliedmaßen bei Mastschweinen: Ursa chen, Entstehung und Tierschutzrelevanz.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of possible risk factors of adventitious bursae (AB) in finishing pigs depending on different types of flooring and evaluation of their impact on animal welfare. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of adventitious bursae in 1702 finishing pigs from nine conventional fattening farms with different types of flooring (fully slatted, PigPort = partially slatted floor, slanted floor = solid concrete floor, deep straw-bedded) was investigated at entry into fattening farm and shortly before slaughter. Existing bursae were recorded and graded and the skin of the affected locations was evaluated. Additionally, the weight of each individual pig was recorded on both dates. RESULTS: On fully slatted floors 94.0 % of the pigs showed at least one bursa shortly before slaughter, in PigPort-farms 87.6 %, in slanted floor-farms 82.9 % and on deep straw-bedded floor 50.3 %. When comparing both assessment dates the pigs on fully slatted floors had the highest increase in prevalence of bursae, followed by the pigs in PigPorts, on slanted floors and on straw. Furthermore, the pigs fattened on fully slatted floors showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher number of bursae per animal at the end of the fattening period than the pigs fattened on other types of flooring as well as a significantly (p < 0.001) higher proportion of more severe bursae. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high prevalence of bursae assessed in this study represents, irrespective of the presence of pain, a deficit regarding animal husbandry in terms of technopathy and therefore a serious issue regarding animal welfare. That requires changes in terms of animal welfare standards. By reducing the amount of slots in the pens of fattening farms, as it is the case in PigPort- and even more in slanted floor-farms, the prevalence and number of bursae per pig and the severity of bursae can be reduced. An additional supply of a soft, flexible lying area, e.g. with straw as litter, is another positive measure that should be implemented if possible.

[Effects of socializing piglets in lactation on behaviour, including tail-biting, in growing and finishing pigs]. / Effekte einer frühen Sozialisierung von Ferkeln auf das Verhalten, unter anderem auf das Schwanzbeißen.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether early socialising of piglets influences the later behaviour and the risk of tail biting in growing and finishing pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The behaviour of 183 animals (divided in three successive runs) was recorded from birth until the end of the fattening period. Furthermore, the condition of the teats of the sows as well as the integument and tails of the growing and finishing pigs were evaluated. To socialize the piglets, four litters of the experimental group (V) were provided with additional space (walkway) by opening "piglet-doors" (day 10 postpartum of the youngest litter). The piglets of the control group (K) were reared in conventional farrowing crates located in the same compartment of the stable. Post-weaning, the piglets were assigned to three groups: the experimental group (V/V, two litters of group V), the control group (K/K, two litters of group K) and the mixed group (V/K, one litter of group V and one litter of group K). RESULTS: After opening the "piglet-doors", piglets of group V displayed significantly more playing behaviour than piglets of group K. Additionally, the agonistic behaviour increased in group V. Post-weaning, at allocation and mixing, animals of group V/V showed significantly less agonistic behaviour than pigs of group K/K. Tail-biting behaviour occurred in all three groups, but only in runs two and three. On the 100th day of the fattening period, 58.7% of the pigs of group V/V, 51.7% of group V/K and 43.3% of group K/K still had intact tails. In pigs of group K/K, the tails were significantly shorter compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Early socialization enhances piglet welfare in farrowing pens by encouraging playing behaviour. Less agonistic behaviour at allocation could furthermore reduce stress at mixing and allocation. The aim to reduce the incidence of tail-biting could not be achieved. However, socializing piglets in lactation could contribute, in accordance with other measures, to an influence on biting behaviour.