Author:
Read E,Baxter EM,Farish M,D'Eath RB
Abstract
Pregnant (dry) sows (S) are fed a rationed amount of feed to maintain healthy weight and production but this does not satisfy their hunger. This study measured the extent of feed restriction compared to sows' desired intake. Forty-seven Large White × Landrace sows were
housed in small groups with straw bedding and individual feeding stalls. Following three days on a standard ration of 2.5 kg, they were offered 10 kg a day of commercial dry sow feed for three days, split into four 2.5-kg meals a day which enabled individual intakes to be measured. This quantity
was effectively (maximum daily intake 9.4 kg). Mean(± SEM) intake per day over the three days was 5.67 (± 0.24) kg, compared to the 2.5-kg standard ration. The ration thus provides less than half (44.1%) of sows' desired intake. Behaviour on their third rationed day was compared
with behaviour on the third day of . Eating rate and the display of hunger-related behaviours, particularly following the morning feed, was greater under ration feeding; sows spent more time in the food stall and less in the straw bed, and more time active rather than resting. During ration-feeding
sows also chewed and nosed more at straw bedding and pen equipment and used the drinker more after their morning meal than when they were fed . Eating rate on the last rationed day was positively correlated with feed intake on each of the days. Despite an EU requirement for fibre to be added
to diets to ameliorate this problem, and the provision of straw bedding, hunger resulting from food restriction remains a welfare concern for dry sows.
Publisher
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
Subject
General Veterinary,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,Animal Science and Zoology
Cited by
10 articles.
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