Housing of gestating sows in long narrow pens with liquid feeding. Function studies and grouping routines in five sow pools
1994
Olsson, A.C. | Svendsen, J. | Reese, D. (Sveriges Lantbruksuniv., Lund (Sweden). Inst. foer Jordbrukets Biosystem och Teknologi)
The central breeding/gestation units of 5 sow pools were visited and the function of the long narrow pen housing system with liquid feeding used in 4 of the pools was evaluated. It was observed that the relative size of the lying and dung areas in the pens led to serious problems with pen hygiene. The function of the feeding system was such that feed was unevenly distributed in the trough, leading to frequent changing of places and short eating times. The frequency of injuries was highest in these types of pens. It was concluded that the housing of animals in long narrow pens with liquid feeding is a system which promotes a great amount of competition and should only be used for well-established sow groups. That is, it should not be used for receiving or regrouping animals. In additions, a certain number of pens for animals unable to cope with the competition conditions should also be available. With respect to sow pools in general, animal flow and grouping routines must be considered very carefully. To avoid regrouping, animals should not be moved to the gestation section unless tested pregnant. It may also be of advantage to have pens of varying size so that sow groups may be moved to smaller pens if for some reason some animals have to be removed from the group. Thus the need for regrouping would be eliminated.
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