Sow performance and maternal behaviour in organic and conventional herds |
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| Authors: | A. Wallenbeck G. Gustafson L. Rydhmer |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Box 7023, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden Anna.Wallenbeck@hgen.slu.se;3. Department of Animal Nutrition and Management , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Box 7024, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden;4. Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Box 7023, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The study evaluates the first three parities of 144 Swedish Landrace×Yorkshire sows from three certified organic and three conventional commercial piglet-producing herds. Sows and litters were weaned at seven and five weeks post partum (pp) in organic and conventional herds, respectively. Herdsmen judged sow behaviour and maternal ability at farrowing, two weeks pp and at weaning. Herdsmen collected registrations of litter size, litter weight and sow fat status at farrowing and at weaning. Piglet mortality and oestrous signs were registered continuously during the nursing period. Sows in organic herds were scored to be more cautious among piglets, and to have better nursing behaviour and maternal ability in early lactation than sows in conventional herds. Piglet mortality was higher in organic than in conventional herds. Oestrus during lactation was only observed among sows in organic herds, and sows showing oestrus during lactation were fatter at weaning. |
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| Keywords: | Behaviour maternal ability organic piglet production sow |
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