In order to evaluate the productive and behavioural effects of two artificial photoperiod lengths, 56 barrows (initial BW 112.5 kg) were homogeneously allocated to two groups: group A in which animals were exposed to a 14-hour light period (70 lux) followed by 10 hours of darkness (14L:10D) and group B in which, in compliance with current legislation, pigs were exposed to a 8-hour light period (8L:16D). Pigs were restricted-fed and they were slaughtered at about 160 kg BW. The longer light period (group A) resulted in an improvement of growth and feed conversion (P<0.01). Pigs belonging to group A spent more time resting in sternal recumbency (P<0.01) and showed a reduction of some abnormal behaviours such as standing inactive (P<0.01), sitting and over investigation (sniffing) of the floor (P<0.001). From our data it is suggest that a daily 14- hour lighting time improved growth parameters and welfare condition of heavy pigs.
Titolo: | The effects of the duration of the artificial photoperiod on the growth parameters and behaviour of heavy pigs |
Autore/i: | MARTELLI, GIOVANNA; SCALABRIN, MARILENA; Scipioni R.; SARDI, LUCA |
Autore/i Unibo: | |
Anno: | 2005 |
Rivista: | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11259-005-0367-8 |
Abstract: | In order to evaluate the productive and behavioural effects of two artificial photoperiod lengths, 56 barrows (initial BW 112.5 kg) were homogeneously allocated to two groups: group A in which animals were exposed to a 14-hour light period (70 lux) followed by 10 hours of darkness (14L:10D) and group B in which, in compliance with current legislation, pigs were exposed to a 8-hour light period (8L:16D). Pigs were restricted-fed and they were slaughtered at about 160 kg BW. The longer light period (group A) resulted in an improvement of growth and feed conversion (P<0.01). Pigs belonging to group A spent more time resting in sternal recumbency (P<0.01) and showed a reduction of some abnormal behaviours such as standing inactive (P<0.01), sitting and over investigation (sniffing) of the floor (P<0.001). From our data it is suggest that a daily 14- hour lighting time improved growth parameters and welfare condition of heavy pigs. |
Data prodotto definitivo in UGOV: | 2005-10-12 15:09:45 |
Data stato definitivo: | 2016-11-11T16:46:00Z |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 1.01 Articolo in rivista |