The preparturient behaviour of sows in enriched pens and the effect of pre-formed nests

D. S. Arey; A. M. Petchey; V. R. Fowler

doi:10.1016/0168-1591(91)90153-O

The preparturient behaviour of sows in enriched pens and the effect of pre-formed nests

D. S. Arey^*, A. M. Petchey, V. R. Fowler

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

75 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The nest building behaviour of 12 preparturient sows was studied in enriched pens. Four categories of behaviour were observed: rooting, straw carrying, pawing and lying. In the 24 h before farrowing, six sows excavated hollows in sand floors and removed straw from dispensers to construct nests similar to those reported for sows kept outdoors. When pre-formed nests were presented to six sows on the day before farrowing, straw removal was reduced (P<0.05), straw carrying and pawing remained the same. Rooting, lying and the duration of nest building increased (P<0.05). Nest building is highly motivated behaviour in sows and the performance of the activities themselves appears to have a significant role in reducing the motivation. Nesting material appears to be a key factor both in the regulation and performance of the behaviour.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	61-68
Number of pages	8
Journal	Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Volume	31
Issue number	1-2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1591(91)90153-O
Publication status	Print publication - Jul 1991

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10.1016/0168-1591(91)90153-O

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abstract = "The nest building behaviour of 12 preparturient sows was studied in enriched pens. Four categories of behaviour were observed: rooting, straw carrying, pawing and lying. In the 24 h before farrowing, six sows excavated hollows in sand floors and removed straw from dispensers to construct nests similar to those reported for sows kept outdoors. When pre-formed nests were presented to six sows on the day before farrowing, straw removal was reduced (P<0.05), straw carrying and pawing remained the same. Rooting, lying and the duration of nest building increased (P<0.05). Nest building is highly motivated behaviour in sows and the performance of the activities themselves appears to have a significant role in reducing the motivation. Nesting material appears to be a key factor both in the regulation and performance of the behaviour.",

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The preparturient behaviour of sows in enriched pens and the effect of pre-formed nests

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