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

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 2013
Authors:
 Panagiotis E. Simitzis, Dimitrios Veis, Nikos Demiris, Maria A. Charismiadou, Anna Ayoutanti, Stelios G. Deligeorgis
Publication/Journal:
 Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Keywords:
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ISBN:
 0168-1591
Abstract:

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 8 h of light (0700–1500) daily from day 111 of gestation until day 28 of lactation, and (2) extended (n = 12) consisting of 20 h 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 24 h 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 < 0.001). During the backtest, piglets of the extended photoperiod group exhibited more escape attempts compared to that of the standard photoperiod group (P < 0.001). An increase in daily photoperiod from 8 to 20 h light also appears to positively influence piglet activity and creep feed intake, without affecting sow activity, the mean duration of nursing and the mean interval between two consecutive nursings. Finally, sow posture appears to significantly influence piglet activity; when the sow was standing the number of piglets that were also standing was greater compared to the other sow postures (sitting or lying) (P < 0.001). As it is concluded, light regimen could be manipulated as a tool to improve piglets’ growth performance during lactation.

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