Influence of Physical Environment and Sensory Stimuli on Behavior of Neonatal Pigs

Teat seeking and suckling behaviors of pigs were examined in a series of experiments. Comparison of 4 creep partitions (solid, mesh, horizontal and vertical slats) indicated partition type did not affect latency from birth to mammary contact (LMC) or distance moved during this time. Effect of sow-crate design was examined as a factorial arrangement of 4 crate sides (fingered, bowed and horizontal bars at 20 (STR20) or 25 cm (STR25) above the floor), 2 lengths (long = 198 cm, short = 183 cm) and 2 widths (wide = 64 cm, narrow = 55 cm). LMC was greater in STR25 crates (P $<$.01) and short, wide crates (P $<$.01). Pigs nursed form over the side bar more frequently in bowed and STR20 crates (P $<$.01) and sows nursed while standing more often in short (P $<$.05) and narrow crates (P $<$.01). Investigation of use of sloped floors and curved corners to direct piglet movement indicated sloped floors increased LMC (P $<$.01), time free standing (P $<$.001) and contact with creep partitions (P $<$.001) and decreased sow contact (P $<$.001). Multiple choice testing indicated newborn pigs were attracted to sow and piglet vocalizations (P $<$.10), dim and dark lighting (P $<$.05), and odors of birth fluids and sow's milk (P $<$.005). Piglets preferred to move with the sow's hair pattern (P $<$.005). Results indicate that behavior of piglets is affected by both physical and sensory factors.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Rohde, Kristie Ann

• Agriculture, Animal Culture and Nutrition

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8803180

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/70055