Effects of inductive methods on dunging behavior of weaning pigs in slatted floor pens

Wang Yu, Li Dapeng, Shen Xiong, Shi Zhengxiang

Abstract


The excreta of pig is generally utilized to induce pigs to excrete in particular area, which reduces the subsequent work required to clean pens. This paper discussed a new induction device design based on the biological characteristics of pigs. Using different induction materials in the devices, the frequency and location of the excretory behavior of pigs through five treatments and a control group were compared. According to the results, different induction methods had significant (p<0.05) effects on frequency and duration of excretory behavior. Compared to the conventional induction method, the induction devices were significantly (p<0.05) more effective in training pigs to excrete in the assigned area, the most effective material used in the induction devices was feces. If the inductive feces had been preserved in the air for a longer time, the effect of inducing excretory behavior would have been more obvious. Empty devices did not work to induce pigs to excrete in the induction area.
Keywords: animal behavior, weaning pigs, slatted floor pen, pig training, excretory behavior, inductive material
DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20160904.2560

Citation: Wang Y, Li D P, Shen X, Shi Z X. Effects of inductive methods on dunging behavior of weaning pigs in slatted floor pens. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2016; 9(4): 192－198.

Keywords


animal behavior, weaning pigs, slatted floor pen, pig training, excretory behavior, inductive material

Full Text:

PDF

References


Aarnink A J A, Schrama J W, Heetkamp M J W, Stefanowska J, Huynh T T T. Temperature and body weight affect fouling of pig pens. Journal of Animal Science, 2006; 84(8): 2224–2231. doi: 10.2527/jas.2005-521

Andersen H M L, Pedersen L J. The effect of feed trough position on choice of defecation area in farrowing pens by loose sows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2011; 131(1-2): 48–52. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.01.005

Baxter M R. Environmental determinants of excretory and lying areas in domestic pigs. Applied Animal Ethology, 1982; 9(2): 195. doi: 10.1016/0304-3762(82)90194-8

Beattie V E, Walker N, Sneddon I A. An investigation of the effect of environmental enrichment and space allowance on the behaviour and production of growing pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1996; 48(3-4): 151–158. doi: 10.1016/0168-1591(96)01031-3

Baxter S. Intensive pig production: environmental management and design. Granada Technical Books, 1984.

Damm B I, Pedersen L J. Eliminative behaviour in preparturient gilts previously kept in pens or stalls. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section a-Animal Science, 2000; 50(4): 316–320. doi: 10.1080/090647000750069511

Guo Y, Lian X, Yan P. Diurnal rhythms, locations and behavioural sequences associated with eliminative behaviours in fattening pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2015; 168: 18–23. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.01.011

Lin Y, Chen G, Shi Z. Optimization of cross section of concrete narrow-gap slatted floor for fattening pig house. Transactions of the CSAE, 2013; 29(2): 217–223. (in Chinese with Englisht abstract)

Guy J H, Rowlinson P, Chadwick J P, Ellis M. Behaviour of two genotypes of growing–finishing pig in three different housing systems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2002; 75(3): 193–206. doi: 10.1016/S0168-1591(01)00197-6

Hacker R, Ogilvie J, Morrison W, Kains F. Factors affecting excretory behavior of pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 1994; 72(6): 1455–1460.

Scott K, Chennells D J, Campbell F M, Hunt B, Armstrong D, Taylor L, et al. The welfare of finishing pigs in two contrasting housing systems: Fully-slatted versus straw-bedded accommodation. Livestock Science, 2006; 103(1-2): 104–115. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2006.01.008

Vermeer H M, de Greef K H, Houwers H W J. Space allowance and pen size affect welfare indicators and performance of growing pigs under Comfort Class conditions. Livestock Science, 2014; 159: 79–86. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci. 2013.10.021

Wang K, Wei B, Zhu S, Ye Z. Ammonia and odour emitted from deep litter and fully slatted floor systems for growing-finishing pigs. Biosystems Engineering, 2011; 109(3): 203–210. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2011.04.001

Wechsler B, Bachmann I. A sequential analysis of eliminative behaviour in domestic pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1998; 56(1): 29–36. doi: 10.1016/ S0168-1591(97)00075-0

Whatson T S. Development of eliminative behaviour in piglets. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1985; 14(4): 365–377. doi: 10.1016/0168-1591(85)90060-7

Shi Z, Li B, Chen G, Xi L. Technology and key techiques for clean production in pig loose housing breeding. Transactions of the CSAE, 2006; 22(12): 180–184. (in Chinese with Englisht abstract)

Guo Y, Lian X, Yan P. Diurnal rhythms, locations and behavioural sequences associated with eliminative behaviours in fattening pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2015; 168: 18–23. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.01.011

Collins Jr E R, Kornegay E T, Bonnette E D. The effects of two confinement systems on the performance of nursing sows and their litters. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1987; 17(1-2): 51–59. doi: 10.1016/0168-1591(87)90007-4

Li Y, Li B, Shi Z. Effects of size, shape and partition type of pen on excretory behavior of domestic pigs. Transactions of the CSAE, 2008; 24(11): 206–211. (in Chinese with Englisht abstract)

Li Y, Li B, Shi Z, Zhou D. Selection site of pigs excretion and its effects on pollution extent of pen. Transactions of the CSAE, 2006; 22(14): 108–111. (in Chinese with Englisht abstract)

Petherick J C. A note on the space use for excretory behaviour of suckling piglets. Applied Animal Ethology, 1983; 9(3-4): 367–371.

Buchenauer D, Luft C, Grauvogl A. Investigations on the eliminative behaviour of piglets. Applied Animal Ethology, 1982; 9(2): 153–164. doi: 10.1016/0304-3762(82)90191-2

Vermeer H M, Altena H, Vereijken P F G, Bracke M B M. Rooting area and drinker affect dunging behaviour of organic pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2015; 165: 66–71. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.01.007




Copyright (c)



2023-2026 Copyright IJABE Editing and Publishing Office