Pig Handling & Behaviour Lecture 2 ANS101/Vet 242 2012 Yvette Miller, Kim Nairn and Kate Gannon Murdoch University Portec Veterinary Services
Why do we need to know? In order to move pigs without stress to them or to the handlers (us) we need to be able to understand how pigs view their world
What do we need to know? 3 things to consider when handling pigs: The pig s instinctive behaviour The handling facilities Stockperson behaviour
Pig Behaviour 3 characteristics that affect how pigs behave when handled: Vision Response to light Natural escape and following behaviour
Vision Flight Zone + Point of Balance
Response to light Vision is well developed capability for colour vision But POOR DEPTH OF VISION, therefore: Balk at unfamiliar features Change in flooring type and contrasting light
Natural escape & following behaviour Will try to escape Through small gaps between pens, ramps Like to follow each other social animals Like to maintain visual or body contact
Handling facilities Designing them Minimise stress and balking Improve pig flow Reduce stockperson stress Using them Understand where pigs will balk and fix it / anticipate it / minimise the impact
Looking for problems in facility design LOOK FROM A PIG S PERSPECTIVE: Sparkling reflections puddles, metal Moving objects chains, people etc Noise Drafts Change in floor colour and texture Too dark / too light up ahead Dead ends like to have pigs in front and along side
Good facilities Flooring Grip but smooth Solid sides Uniform lighting light/dark Uniform air currents Quiet No dead ends Gradual change in direction
Stockperson behaviour Maximise Positive Behaviour towards pigs Rest hand on back Rubbing back Normal level talking Minimise Negative Behaviour towards pigs Hitting (if it s audible, it s ve) Yelling
General principles Pigs have good memories Pigs will follow other pigs Restraint is stressful to pigs of all ages Strong correlation between human attitude and productivity Make sure each handling experience is positive (or more +ive than ive anyway) Good facilities are vital
Equipment available to move pigs Hands Touch back positive behaviour Stockboard Appears solid + is transportable Polypipe, Flags, Rattles Not harmful + is extension of arm Electric prodder Unnecessary + very stressful
Summary Move them calmly Easier to move calm pigs Positive interactions Remember flight zones and vision Move small groups 3-5 animals at a time Have good handling facilities No sharp light / dark contrast, dead-ends, movement or drafts
Pig behaviour tells us a great deal about the housing environment
This little pig is too cold Pig temperature 38.5-39.5 C
This little pig is too hot
This little pig is just right
How dunging behaviour is influenced by environment? What is the perfect toilet?
Treatment VICES
Environmental Factors Affecting Pig Behaviour The categories that together comprise the housing environment Air (temp, draughts, gases, dust, light) Floor (flooring, hygiene, stocking density) Feed (access, form, particle size, specifications) Water (access, flow rate, temp, TDS, potability)
Specifically check the following:- Stocking density (welfare code) Variability in tail length Feed particle size (> 500 microns) Salt concentration in feed Water availability Feed availability Weaning age (should be >3 wks of age)
Specifically check the following:- Draught at pig height (>0.2m/sec) Air quality (Ammonia < 11 PPM, Hydrogen sulphide < 5 PPM, CO2 < 1500 PPM) Humidity (50-75%) 24 hr temperature fluctuations Light intensity
Ammonia
Specifically check the following:- Mixing of pigs how to manage this (eg. provide straw ad lib, extra space, feeding management). Moving of pigs Lactational failure specifically for facial necrosis
Pigs & their toys
Reproductive behaviours
Signs of pro-oestrus Nervous and easily disturbed Ridden by other sows but will not stand Tacky vaginal discharge Swollen red vulva (particularly gilts)
Signs of oestrus Female becomes more active Will mount other sows and will stand if mounted Not eat Actively seeks (and calls) for boar Large White (and Yorkshire) prick their ears Slight mucus vaginal discharge Allows mating
Does oestrus behaviour happen constantly? 7-10 mins of intense behaviour 45 mins between
Gilt management Set them up for a lifetime in the herd Expect different performance from their progeny compared to older parity sows Not mate until at least 130-140kg Stimulate with boar (at least 10 months old) mature
The Courtship Sequence in Pigs Head to head Sniffing Nosing Nudging Mounting attempts Standing reaction - mating
Preparing for parturition 110 days foetal production of steroids 111 days swelling of vulva mammary glands develop 113 days Individual mammary glands visible
Preparing for parturition 114 days sow become restless starts nest building sow stops eating milk may be expressed from the nipple 115 days sow lies down with periods of chomping and clawing at bedding
Farrowing -1 hour sow lies down in lateral recumbency with occasional strain and leg movements -10 minutes passage of small volume of fluids leg movements associated with straining 0 minutes passage of first piglet
Farrowing + 0-3 hours sow more relaxed a piglet every 10-20 minutes gilts may be very restless all piglets born After last piglet Sow stands and urinates and lies back down + 4-8 hours after beginning Passage of placental mass
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