Swine Ethology

• swine group structure:

  • groups of 8
  • 3 females (sows) and offspring
  • males (boars) are solitary
• sows in same group have same estrus cycles and birth litters at the same time, raise piglets as a group
• communal nesting: protect all piglets together overnight
• swine hierarchy:

  • heavier pig is more dominant
  • dominant sows have dominant piglets (genetic and experience)
  • stop fighting after nursing/established hierarchy but will threaten (vocalize)
• swine hierarchy in confinement:

  • formed in piglets
  • dominant piglet suckles at first pair of teats, gains weight faster
  • if new piglets are introduced, fighting to determine new order
• swine production:

  • breeding and farrowing (nursing) requires management
  • many facilities use artificial insemination, not enough boars
  • high cost/feed intake post weaning
  • require ventilation, high ammonia in feces