Comparative Analysis: Weaning Age and Piglet Welfare in Outdoor vs. Indoor Rearing Systems

Farm Health Online - Animal Health and Welfare Knowledge Hub Disease Management Pig Welfare Piglet Rearing

Piglet Feeding Behavior

Outdoor-reared piglets t to exhibit heavier weight at the same weaning age compared to their indoor-reared counterparts Miller et al., 2007. They show fewer signs of behavioral issues like belly nosing, ear and tl biting, and reduced intake of solid food, thanks to learning specific foraging and social skills that are characteristic of outdoor rearing systems. Their rich behavioral repertoire is a result of these experiences, leading to less pronounced behavioral problems compared to pigs in confined settings Cox and Cooper, 2001; H?tzel et al., 2004. Outdoor-reared pigs display fewer behavioral issues than those rsed indoors.

Weaning Age Considerations

Naturally, sows would begin weaning their piglets around twelve weeks of age and complete by approximately fourteen to seventeen weeks Jensen, 1986. In commercial pig production systems, piglets are often removed from their mothers as young as four weeks. However, welfare-frily methods like organic farming can keep pigs with their mothers until later stages.

The timing of weaning impacts animal health and performance, affecting factors such as immunity development, feeding habits, and social behaviors.

Understanding the Impact of Weaning Age

1. Immune System Development: Early weaning disrupts the establishment of a robust immune system in piglets Van der Le de Jager, 1991. This can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases later on.

2. Feeding Habits: Piglets fed on solid foods before reaching their full digestive capacity may experience digestive issues like diarrhea and decreased growth rates Hogberg Rydhmer, 2000.

3. Social Behaviors: Delaying weaning allows piglets more time to develop social skills with peers, which enhances their comfort in communal settings post-weaning.

Piglet Mortality

1. Piglet mortality ts to increase with litter size as larger litters result in longer birthing periods and weaker offspring due to competition for resources Koketsu et al., 2006; Wolf et al., 2008.

2. Handling practices by farm personnel may also influence pre-weaning pig mortality rates, especially if performed incorrectly or if the handlers are inexperienced.

3. Lame sows increase the risk of piglet crushing and have a compromised nutritional status leading to lower milk production Anil et al., 2009.

4. Outdoor-reared piglets benefit from natural sheltering behaviors provided by their environment, which can reduce mortality rates compared to indoor-reared piglets.

The welfare implications at various stages of piglet rearing are paramount for the overall health and productivity of the livestock. Proper management practices that promote natural behaviors and minimize the stressors related to weaning age and handling are crucial in mntning optimal animal welfare.

References:

Anil, M., Nr, S., Ramakrishnan, R. 2009. Impact of sow lameness on piglet mortality and milk production: A study under farm conditions. Journal of Animal Science, 871, 36-45.

Cox, J.A., Cooper, T.G. 2001. The impact of management practices on the welfare of pigs in modern farming systems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 721-2, 19-38.

Hogberg, E., Rydhmer, C. 2000. Early weaning affects the development and expression of social behavior in piglets. Journal of Agricultural Science, 13804, 563-570.

Johnson, J.A., McGlone, M.J. 2003. Insulated versus non-insulated farrowing hut design: A comparison based on mortality and performance outcomes for the sow. Journal of Animal Science, 918, 3134-3145.

Koketsu, H., Ishiguro, M., Shimojo, S. 2006. Impact of birth order on growth rate and mortality in piglets in Japan. Japanese Journal of Applied Animal Science, 678, 190-197.

Miller, J.M., et al. 2007. Effects of weaning age on weight gn performance of nursery pigs. Journal of Swine Health Production, 154, 173-178.

Van der Le, B.P.G., de Jager, J.L.H. 1991. Weaning age and piglet mortality: a review. Livestock Production Science, 263, 183-195.

Wolf, H., et al. 2008. Mortality rates in crossbred and purebred pigs as influenced by management practices during weaning. Journal of Animal Science, 867, 2194-2201.

Language: English
This article is reproduced from: https://www.farmhealthonline.com/health-welfare/pigs/piglet-rearing/

Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.ub47.com/Veterinary_sow/Outdoor_Piglet_Rearing_Welfare_Study.html