Musical stimulation in lactating sows affects pre-weaning piglet mortality and maternal behavior (2026)

Montoya-Zuluaga, J., Álvarez-Hernández, N., Betancourth-Chaves, P. et al.

Abstract

Functional veterinary music, defined as music specifically designed in its tempo, rhythm, harmonic structure, and frequency ranges to modulate animal emotional states and behavior, has emerged as an innovative strategy for managing lactating sows. Exposure to functional music in other studies during gestation and lactation has been shown to reduce stereotypic behaviors and increase positive interactions between humans and piglets, with potential indirect benefits for piglet survival and behavior. However, little is known about the effects of functional music applied specifically during lactation, a period in which environmental enrichment is often limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of functional music as an enriched auditory stimulus on maternal behavior, pre-weaning piglet mortality, and piglet coping styles during lactation. Three experimental groups were established: (1) Functional Music Group (FMG), animals stimulated with functional music designed and composed for use in pigs; (2) Pink Noise Group (PNG), animals exposed to pink noise as first control; and (3) Non-stimulated Group (NEG), animals not subjected to auditory stimulation as second control. Variables recorded included birth weight, causes of mortality, and several expressions of maternal behavior. The results showed a reduction in crushing-related mortality in the treatment group and behavioral improvements in the sows, suggesting that functional veterinary music may represent a practical enrichment tool for enhancing welfare and improving piglet survival during lactation.