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Pig behaviour in relation to weather conditions – a review Cover

Pig behaviour in relation to weather conditions – a review

Open Access
|Jul 2015

Abstract

Weather conditions (temperature, humidity, solar radiation, air pressure, wind strength, wind direction and precipitation) have a significant impact on the behaviour of farm animals. Pigs have developed a wide range of thermoregulatory behaviours that are particular for this species. With increases in temperature the most characteristic behaviour for pigs is decreased activity and increased wallowing in wet surfaces. In addition to this, rooting and wallowing are highly influenced by temperature and humidity. The lack of possibility to express these behaviours leads to development of stereotypies. Interestingly, low temperatures do not increase the use of shelter if not in combination with wind or precipitation. Furthermore, wild pigs build stronger nests in severe conditions. Also, resting behaviour and reproduction may be disturbed by high temperatures. There is a negative impact of foehn wind on boars’ libido and semen parameters.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/aoas-2015-0024 | Journal eISSN: 2300-8733 | Journal ISSN: 1642-3402
Language: English
Page range: 601 - 610
Submitted on: Oct 20, 2014
Accepted on: Feb 13, 2015
Published on: Jul 29, 2015
Published by: National Research Institute of Animal Production
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

© 2015 Katarzyna Olczak, Jacek Nowicki, Czesław Klocek, published by National Research Institute of Animal Production
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.