Sows show stronger responses to isolation of piglets associated with greater levels of piglet need
1996
Weary, D.M. | Lawson, G.L. | Thompson, B.K.
Natural sequences of calls produced by isolated domestic piglets were played to lactating sows (N=24) separated from their litters. Two piglets from each of eight litters were recorded under conditions designed to influence their need for a rapid response from the sow. The 'needy' piglet was the smallest and slowest growing in the litter, had just missed a nursing and was isolated in a relatively cool enclosure. The 'un-needy' litter-mate was the largest and fastest growing, had just nursed and was isolated in a relatively warm enclosure. Calls from the needy piglets were of a higher rate, higher in frequency, and longer than those from the un-needy piglets. Sows responded to playback by orientating towards the loudspeaker and approaching it, by moving about the area near the speaker, by vocalizing and by reducing the duration of their own calls. Sows showed stronger responses to playback from needy piglets than from un-needy piglets by vocalizing more, moving more and spending more time near the playback speaker. Sows responded to the calls of their own piglets and to those from other litters, but showed a stronger response to calls of their own piglets.
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