ETHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON PREGNANT SOWS IN A DYNAMIC GROUP-HOUSING SYSTEM WITH RATIONED INDIVIDUAL FEEDING BY ONE ELECTRONIC FEEDER STATION

A group-housing system with one electronic feeder station for 26 to 32 pregnant gilts and sows was evaluated ethologically. All animals (n=31, German Landrace) were observed continuously and directly for 84 h. Simultaneously, their behaviour was recorded on video. Main points of the ethological study were the use of lying areas, the function of the corridors, use of the feeder station and of the water nipples, time analysis of feeding behaviour in the feeder station for each individual, straw orientated behaviour, the locations of aggressive interactions between sows and the occurrence of the behavioural disturbances bar biting, tongue-playing or vacuum chewing. In general it appears, that this group-housing system is a practical alternative to the individual confinement of pregnant sows. Between farrowings, sows have the opportuny for locomotion for a 3 months period. The study has provided some indications of improvement of the housing and feeding of sows in this system.