Factors affecting maternal behaviour and responsiveness in sows during periparturient and lactation periods

Jacek Nowicki; Czesław Klocek; Tomasz Schwarz

doi:10.2478/v10220-012-0038-y

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Factors affecting maternal behaviour and responsiveness in sows during periparturient and lactation periods

Annals of Animal Science

Volume 12 (2012): Issue 4 (October 2012)

By: Jacek Nowicki, Czesław Klocek and Tomasz Schwarz

Open Access

|Nov 2012

Abstract

Maternal responsiveness of sows affects piglet survival rate by influencing the economic results of breeding. The purpose of this article was to present the relations among housing environment for sows during periparturient period and lactation, endocrine changes in sows, and maternal behaviour and welfare, which ultimately all affect the productive results. The following welfare-related factors were discussed in this paper: the type of farrowing environment, including the type of pen, the area for free movement or confinement crates, alternative loose-housing systems, the importance of nest building for further nursing, and fear as a factor which can impair productivity.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10220-012-0038-y | Journal eISSN: 2300-8733 | Journal ISSN: 1642-3402

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Language: English

Page range: 455 - 469

Published on: Nov 9, 2012

Published by: National Research Institute of Animal Production

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: Volume open

Keywords:

sows,

welfare,

maternal behaviour,

periparturient period,

Related subjects:

Zoology,

© 2012 Jacek Nowicki, Czesław Klocek, Tomasz Schwarz, published by National Research Institute of Animal Production
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons License.

Volume 12 (2012): Issue 4 (October 2012)