Abstract

The study evaluates the first three parities of 144 Swedish LandracexYorkshire 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.

Keywords

Behaviour; maternal ability; organic; piglet production; sow

Published in

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science
2009, Volume: 59, number: 3, pages: 181-191
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

SLU Authors

• Wallenbeck, Anna

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Gustafson, Gunnela

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Rydhmer, Lotta

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Veterinary Science
Animal and Dairy Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09064700903307824

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/61271