Behavior and physiology of gilts in tether, crate, loose stall and dirtlot housing systems

Abstract

Twelve DeKalb crossbred gilts were blocked in groups of three by breeding date and one group was one group was randomly assigned to each of four treatments: tethers (T), crates (C), loose stall (LS), and dirtlot (DL) for each of three replications. Behavior was videorecorded for 48 h starting on d 0, 7 and 63. Blood samples were taken on d 2, 10 and 65 for blood cell counts, chemistry, and cortisol determinations. Gilts were removed from their treatments for a 5 min open-field test on d 3 and weekly thereafter for 8 wk. On day 109 of gestation, gilts were moved from their housing treatments into a pen-type farrowing system. Sows and litters were maintained in this facility until weaning at 28 d. Over all observation periods (d 0-2, d 7-9, d 63-65), the T and C gilts [least maneuvering and interacting room (MIR) in their housing treatment] were up less, lay down more, lay for longer periods, and changed their lying position more frequently. These findings may reflect the relative difficulty of getting up and lying down in low MIR facilities. A reduction in position changes noted from d 0-65 may be indicative of adjustment to their respective housing treatments and/or advancing stages of pregnancy. Tethered gilts had lower albumin, blood urea nitrogen, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and creatinine values. Adaptation to the housing regimen from d 2 to d 65 for all treatments were shown by decreases from d 2 to d 65 in creatine phosphokinase, total bilirubin, and red blood cell values. Across all test days (d 3, 10, 17, etc.) the T and C gilts performed more bouts of standing and walking than did DL gilts. Crated gilts ran/bucked more than T gilts, who ran/bucked more than LS gilts, and LS gilts ran/bucked more than DL gilts. These findings suggest that an increased specific-action potential for specific innate motor patterns results from maintaining gilts in housing with minimal amounts of maneuvering and interacting room. Gilts housed in lower MIR facilities during gestation farrowed lower birth weight piglets with longer inter-piglet-intervals during parturition. Gilts housed in the greatest MIR treatment during gestation subsequently weaned the heaviest piglets.