Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences

Asian Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies (아세아태평양축산학회)
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Behavioral Characteristics of Weaned Piglets Mixed in Different Groups

  • Hwang, Hyun-Su (School of Bioresource and Bioscience, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Lee, Jae-Kang (School of Bioresource and Bioscience, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Eom, Tae-Kyung (School of Bioresource and Bioscience, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Son, Seung-Hun (School of Bioresource and Bioscience, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Hong, Joon-Ki (Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science) ;
  • Kim, Ki-Hyun (Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science) ;
  • Rhim, Shin-Jae (School of Bioresource and Bioscience, Chung-Ang University)
  • Received : 2015.09.03
  • Accepted : 2015.10.22
  • Published : 2016.07.01
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Abstract

With regard to animal welfare concerns, behavioral information of weaned and mixed piglets is great interest in swine production. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the change in behavior of weaned piglets over time in two different groups (littermates and piglets from different litters) after mixing. Two weaned groups of piglets (72 individuals in all) housed either with littermates or with foreign piglets (6 individuals in $1.8m{\times}1.4m$ pens, $28^{\circ}C{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ temperature) were observed with the aid of video technology for 9 consecutive hours on days 1, 2, and 3 after mixing. The behaviors of the weaned piglets in the control and treatment groups were significantly different among the days after mixing. Piglets were, however, more active and aggressive in the groups with foreign piglets. This study reveals a lower level of agonistic behavior in groups of piglets that came from the same litter.

Keywords

References

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