Professional paper
INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL AND MICROCLIMATE FACTORS ON FEEDING BEHAVIOUR IN PIGS
M. Ostović
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Ž. Pavičić
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
T. Balenović
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
A. Ekert Kabalin
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Abstract
Modern system of pigs husbandry is unthinkable without knowledge of basic biological, ethological and feeding characteristics of pigs. Pigs are social animals and organizing groups of pigs is based on ragulated social hierarchy. Besides accommodation conditions, social hierarchy is affected by age, sex, body weight and the character of individuals. Senses are responsible for different forms of behavior in pigs, including feeding behaviour. Considering hierarchical relations and size of the group, it is neccessary to ensure sufficient feeding space for pigs. Besides social, particular accent should be also put on optimal microclimate factors (temperature, air humidity, noxious gases in the air, air circulation, lighting) and proper treatment of animals. Otherwise, pigs will display aggressive behavior, that will have an negative influence on health, reproduction and, finally, on total production.
Keywords
pigs; behaviour; feeding; social; microclimate factors
Hrčak ID:
23844
URI
Publication date:
14.5.2008.
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