Behavior of Piglets in an Observation Arena before and after Surgical Castration with Local Anesthesia.

Surgical castration of piglets is generally recognized as a painful procedure, but there is currently no gold standard for the assessment of pain behavior in piglets. However, pain assessment is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of local anesthetics. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of four local anesthetics in terms of pain relief during and after surgical castration in three sequential study parts.

[Technopathies of the limbs in finishing pigs: risk factors, origin and impact on animal welfare. - Study phase 2].

Objective: Determination of possible risk factors of adventitious bursae (AB) in finishing pigs depending on different types of flooring and evaluation of their impact on animal welfare.

Material And Methods: The prevalence of adventitious bursae in 1702 finishing pigs from nine conventional fattening farms with different types of flooring (fully slatted, PigPort = partially slatted floor, slanted floor = solid concrete floor, deep straw-bedded) was investigated at entry into fattening farm and shortly before slaughter. Existing bursae were recorded and graded and the skin of the affected locations was evaluated.

[A comparison of different farrowing systems - Part 2: Performance data and effects on the lying down behaviour of the sows and the activity of the piglets].

Objective: The aim of this study was to show the effects of alternative farrowing systems (pens with temporary crating) on the behaviour of sows and piglets. Moreover, performance data of sows in two different alternative farrowing pens and in the conventional crate were compared under practical conditions.

Material And Methods: Over the trial period (April 2016 - February 2017), production data from a total of 113 sows in two alternative farrowing pens ("Petra" [P] and "Freya" [F]) and in the conventional crate (K) were recorded.

[Technopathies of the limbs in finishing pigs: risk factors, origin and impact on animal welfare - Study phase 1].

Objective: The aim of the first part of the present study was to specify risk factors for the development of adventitious bursae on the limbs of weaning and finishing pigs.

Material And Methods: In total, 192 pigs were examined weekly, recording the following parameters: general condition, number, size and localization of adventitious bursae on the limbs and sternum, gait and claws.

Results: Adventitious bursae can occur at 13 positions on the limbs or sternum.

[Field study on loose farrowing in cold barns].

Objective: The aim of this field study was to examine the loose farrowing system in view of practicability, particularly to monitor piglet losses and their causes, on a farm proceeding in accordance with the BIO AUSTRIA production guidelines from summer 2015 until summer 2017. The so-called "Ethobox" (HAKA, Josef Häufele GmbH & Co. KG, Erbach-Dellmensingen, Germany) had been installed into two cold barns with access to outdoor areas.

[A comparison of different farrowing systems - Part 1: Effects on the activity of the sow].

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether a 3-axis accelerometer (MSR 145B V5.106, MSR Electronics GmbH, Seuzach, Switzerland) can continuously record and display the activity behaviour of sows over the farrowing period. A standing position was defined as activity and non-standing positions as rest.

[Field trial of an open pen - comparison of two different types of farrowing pens].

Objective: Direct comparison of an alternative farrowing pen with a conventional gestation crate in the farrowing area, with a focus on animal welfare and performance.

Material And Methods: Over one year, data of 129 sows and their 2109 piglets (thereof 1935 live births) were obtained in seven passes. In total, 65 sows (experimental group, VG) were stalled in a farrowing pen with an openable crate, while 64 sows (control group, KG) were maintained in a closed farrowing pen (gestation crate).

[Effects of socializing piglets in lactation on behaviour, including tail-biting, in growing and finishing pigs].

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether early socialising of piglets influences the later behaviour and the risk of tail biting in growing and finishing pigs.

Material And Methods: The behaviour of 183 animals (divided in three successive runs) was recorded from birth until the end of the fattening period. Furthermore, the condition of the teats of the sows as well as the integument and tails of the growing and finishing pigs were evaluated.