복지형 분만시설이 모돈과 자돈의 행동 및 생산성에 미치는 영향

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of improving animal welfare in pig farms on the behavior and productivity of farrowing sows and piglets. The behavioral characteristics and production performance of farrowing sows and suckling piglets housed in either conventional farrowing crates or welfare enriched farrowing pens were compared and analyzed. In both types of farrowing facilities, lateral lying was the most frequently observed behavior among sows, followed by ventral lying. The frequency of ventral lying was significantly higher in sows housed in farrowing crates than in those in welfare enriched pens (P<0.05). Sitting occurred least frequently in both facilities, with no significant difference between treatments. Standing showed a similar trend, whereas eating occurred more than twice as often as either sitting or standing. Among piglets, lying accounted for the majority of their observed behaviors, with no significant difference between the two farrowing environments. However, walking was observed more frequently in piglets housed in welfare enriched pens (P<0.01), while suckling occurred more frequently among piglets in conventional crates (P<0.01). Sows in welfare enriched pens exhibited a significantly higher feed intake compared with those in farrowing crates (P<0.05). However, body weight change, weaning-to-estrus interval, and backfat thickness did not differ significantly between treatments. Similarly, piglet growth performance during the 24-day lactation period showed no significant differences between farrowing systems. In conclusion, the operation of welfare enriched farrowing facilities did not negatively affect the productivity of sows or piglets and is expected to enhance animal welfare without compromising production performance.