The behaviour of the lactating sow as affected by two different feeding techniques

To evaluate the behavioural effects of two feeding techniques, 30 lactating sows were allocated to two groups: T1 receiving a dry meal ad libitum offered for 30 minutes at fixed times (8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) and T2 in which sows received a liquid feed that was available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. T2 sows ate more feed (P<0.01). Although differences in mean values were not significant (P>0.05), the number and the body weight of piglets at weaning were higher for T2 sows. With regard to behavioural patterns, T2 sows spent more time standing and engaged in eating (P<0.001) and showed improved welfare condition as demonstrated by a reduction of abnormal behaviours (sitting and bar biting; P<0.01). No significant differences were observed concerning piglets’ behaviour.