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Tethering as a cause of behavioural problems In pregnant sows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 November 2017

M.C. Appleby
Affiliation:
Edinburgh School of Agriculture, West Mains Road Edinburgh EH9 3JG
A.B. Lawrence
Affiliation:
Edinburgh School of Agriculture, West Mains Road Edinburgh EH9 3JG
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Extract

Pregnant sows tethered in stalls frequently show high levels of stereotypic behaviour such as bar biting and chain chewing. This indicates chronic stress, with long-term effects similar to metabolic diseases (Broom, 1983; Cronin, 1985; Dantzer, 1985). Food restriction is a major cause, but sows restricted in food intake are variable in frequency of sterotypies (Appleby and Lawrence, 1987). Another possible cause of stress is the behaviour of neighbouring sows (Barnett, Hemsworth and Winfield, 1987). Here, the effect of stereotypic behaviour of neighbours on the development and performance of stereotypies is examined.

Type
Aspects of Pig Behaviour and Nutrition
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Production 1988

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References

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