Behaviour and productivity of sows and piglets in a family system and in farrowing crates (1996)

Arey, D. S., Sancha, E. S.

Abstract

In this experiment, effects of the family system on the maternal behaviour of the sow were examined and compared with farrowing crates....In the family system piglets spent more time playing... There were fewer false nursings without milk letdown and a higher percentage of the litter present at each nursing bout. Nursing behaviour was more successful. It was improved in an enriched environment and it would appear that this had a beneficial effect on productivity.