0
A total of 293 sows were distributed in eight groups and introduced into either a static or dynamic management system. Within an introduction group, 21 to 23 sows were selected based upon their stage of gestation (pre vs. post-implantation), familiarity with group-mates (familiar vs. unfamiliar) and parity young (1st parity) vs. intermediate (2nd and 3rd parity) vs. old (4th parity and higher). The aggression at mixing, aggression at the feeder, injuries, feeder entry order, lying patterns, and salivary cortisol concentrations were recorded.
There were no differences in the behaviour or physiology of sows housed in either housing management system, or based upon familiarity. Sows mixed post-implantation were less aggressive (P=0.01), entered to the feeding station later (P=0.03) and were observed lying in the least preferred areas of the pen (P=0.001), than sows grouped within a few days of breeding. Older sows were involved in more aggressive encounters (P=0.04), spent more time fighting at mixing (P=0.02), and lay against the wall more (P<0.001) than did young sows, which tended to sustain more scratches (P=0.07), and ate later in the feed cycle (P<0.001).
A dynamic system is just as effective as a static management system when certain management criteria are met. Familiarity does not have an impact on the sows during gestation. Stage of gestation and parity should be considered along with the group dynamic as it can impact aggression and access to the feeding resources.
ML Strawford, YZ Li and HW Gonyou. 2008. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 88:559-567.
