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A Comparison of Sow and Piglet Behaviour and Productivity in the UMB Farrowing Pen Compared to Conventional Farrowing Crates

19 Pages
1 Nov 0011
Author(s): Rebecca Matthews

Australian Pork Limited commissioned this project to compare sow and piglet welfare and productivity in the prototype UMB farrowing pen with that of the conventional farrowing crate. The results showed no difference in sow voluntary feed intake between systems. Piglets in crates had a higher daily weight gain than piglets in UMB pens however there was no difference in estimated piglet weight at Day 30. Stillbirth rates were higher in the crates and pre-weaning piglet mortality did not differ between systems. The results were encouraging however it was noted that aspects of the pen design may have influenced a number of productivity variables.

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