Goal: This research evaluated the impact of short-term crating (TC) techniques and the usage of nest covers (NC) on sow welfare and piglet efficiency, compared with typical farrowing crates (FC).
Strategies: The trial was carried out on a industrial farm housing 1,200 Duroc sows, utilizing 56 sows per batch throughout two consecutive batches (February to April), distributed into 4 experimental teams: TC with and with out NC, and FC with and with out NC. Reproductive, behavioral, and environmental variables had been monitored, together with piglet weight achieve and sow dorsal fats loss. In TC teams, sows had been launched from confinement beginning on day 3 postpartum.
Outcomes: The outcomes confirmed that early sow launch didn’t improve piglet crushing charges. Within the second batch, piglets from TC sows achieved the next common each day achieve. NCs promoted resting habits in thermally comfy nest areas when ambient temperature was maintained at 23 °C, though their direct affect on piglet mortality was restricted. TC sows exhibited extra pure behaviors and elevated interplay with their litters, indicating improved welfare.
Key limitations of the research included a small pattern measurement (n = 14 per group), which diminished statistical energy to detect mortality variations, and an uneven distribution of sow parity amongst teams, significantly within the second batch. Moreover, the lack of particular person identifiers within the first batch hindered full monitoring of piglet mortality and progress.
Conclusion: Regardless of these limitations, the research helps the usage of short-term crating as a viable various to traditional farrowing crates, offered that environmental situations are properly managed.
