Welfare

 Industry Partners


Prairie Swine Centre is an affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan


Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.

Financial support for the Enterprise Model Project and Pork Insight has been provided by:



Author(s): Dr. Tina Widowski
Publication Date: January 1, 2005
Reference: Proceedings of the 2005 Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium
Country: Canada

Summary:

A “device” is a term used to describe abnormal behaviour. Pigs in a production setting show several vices, because some behaviour they show is not performed in a natural setting. Belly nosing and belly sucking/naval sucking occurs about 4 or 5 days after weaning and shows that the pigs have not adapted well to weaning (especially in early weaned pigs). This can lead to severe lesions on the belly and umbilical hernias. Preventative measures include weaning later, using bowl drinkers, provide baby bottle nipples for them to suck on, provide an artificial spot to nose, and liquid feeding. Tail biting occurs when light chewing breaks the skin on the tail and other pigs begin to eat away at it. It is most common in the grow/finish stages but can happen in nursery. Tail biting can result in infection of the spine that could lead to abscesses, paralysis, or even death. This can later lead to condemned carcasses at the packer. Temperature, drafts, overcrowding, and genetics are some of the suggested reasons for tail biting. Making destructible toys for the pigs such as a rope or cloth can divert the tail biting. Ear biting tends to occur at younger ages than tail biting. It can be detected by redness and scratch marks on the base or tip of the ear. Causes can include bacteria, ear sucking, restlessness and discomfort. Preventative measures similar to tail biting can be effective. Vulva biting in sows happens in-group housing. It can range from mild to severe damage. Fighting over feed or water is a plausible cause of this condition. Spreading out feed better, increasing water drinkers, feeding more often, or moving sows out of the group at an earlier date can help prevent it.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

 
 
Slots Master There is no definite strategy or technique that you can use as you play slots