Influence of Physical Environment and Sensory Stimuli on Behavior of Neonatal Pigs
Rohde, Kristie Ann
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/70055
Description
Title
Influence of Physical Environment and Sensory Stimuli on Behavior of Neonatal Pigs
Author(s)
Rohde, Kristie Ann
Issue Date
1987
Department of Study
Animal Sciences
Discipline
Animal Sciences
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Agriculture, Animal Culture and Nutrition
Abstract
Teat seeking and suckling behaviors of pigs were examined in a series of experiments. Comparison of 4 creep partitions (solid, mesh, horizontal and vertical slats) indicated partition type did not affect latency from birth to mammary contact (LMC) or distance moved during this time. Effect of sow-crate design was examined as a factorial arrangement of 4 crate sides (fingered, bowed and horizontal bars at 20 (STR20) or 25 cm (STR25) above the floor), 2 lengths (long = 198 cm, short = 183 cm) and 2 widths (wide = 64 cm, narrow = 55 cm). LMC was greater in STR25 crates (P $<$.01) and short, wide crates (P $<$.01). Pigs nursed form over the side bar more frequently in bowed and STR20 crates (P $<$.01) and sows nursed while standing more often in short (P $<$.05) and narrow crates (P $<$.01). Investigation of use of sloped floors and curved corners to direct piglet movement indicated sloped floors increased LMC (P $<$.01), time free standing (P $<$.001) and contact with creep partitions (P $<$.001) and decreased sow contact (P $<$.001). Multiple choice testing indicated newborn pigs were attracted to sow and piglet vocalizations (P $<$.10), dim and dark lighting (P $<$.05), and odors of birth fluids and sow's milk (P $<$.005). Piglets preferred to move with the sow's hair pattern (P $<$.005). Results indicate that behavior of piglets is affected by both physical and sensory factors.
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