Influence of environmental stimuli on nest building and farrowing behaviour in domestic sows (1999)

Thodberg, K., Jensen, K. H., Herskin, M. S. et al.

Abstract

Provision of environmental stimuli, especially straw which is relevant for arranging of nesting materials, favoured piglet survival through effects on the timing and quantity of nest building, a decreased duration of the first part of farrowing as well as a decreased risk of crushing of piglets due to less nest building and fewer postural changes during farrowing... The results imply that provision of stimuli relevant for nest building may be one of the important factors in the development of well functioning alternative housing systems for loose housed sows.