The effects of the light regimen imposed during lactation on the performance and behaviour of sows and their litters

The objective of the present study was to highlight the possible effects of an extended photoperiod throughout lactation on the performance and behaviour of sows and their piglets. Sows were randomly assigned to two light regimens: (1) standard (n=12) consisting of 8h of light (0700–1500) daily from...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied animal behaviour science 2013-03, Vol.144 (3-4), p.116-120
Main Authors: Simitzis, Panagiotis E., Veis, Dimitrios, Demiris, Nikos, Charismiadou, Maria A., Ayoutanti, Anna, Deligeorgis, Stelios G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Farrowing
feed intake
growth performance
lactation
Nursing
Photoperiod
piglets
Piglets’ performance
posture
pregnancy
Sow posture
sows
weaning
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Summary:The objective of the present study was to highlight the possible effects of an extended photoperiod throughout lactation on the performance and behaviour of sows and their piglets. Sows were randomly assigned to two light regimens: (1) standard (n=12) consisting of 8h of light (0700–1500) daily from day 111 of gestation until day 28 of lactation, and (2) extended (n=12) consisting of 20h of light (0700–0300) from day 111 of gestation until day 28 of lactation (weaning). Piglets were weighed on days 2 and 28 and average feed intake was measured. Behaviour was recorded for a continuous 24h period on days 6, 10, 15, 17 and 19. A backtest was also carried out at the 28th day of lactation. The increase of the daily light throughout lactation seems to have a beneficial impact on litter growth during lactation (P
ISSN:0168-1591
1872-9045
DOI:10.1016/j.applanim.2013.01.014