Effects of maternal artificial vocalization on hyperprolific lactating sows and piglets behavior

Abstract The objective of this trial was to evaluate the behavioral patterns and performance of lactating sows and their litters under the effect of artificial vocalization. Twenty-eight sows and their litters were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2x2 factorial scheme (artificial vocalization x lactation week). The behavior of the animals was monitored during 24 hours on the 7th and 15th days of lactation, analyzing the number, interval, and frequency of nursings. The body condition and performance of the sows were also evaluated. Artificial vocalization promoted higher frequencies of eating for sow and nursing for piglets (P <0.05), increased inactive sow behavior (P <0.05), and reduced sow alert in activity (P <0.05). The number and duration of suckling sessions at the 15thday of lactation were reduced (P <0.05). The use of artificial vocalization did not affect the body condition or milk production of the lactating sows, or the performance of the litter during lactation (P> 0.05). The use of maternal artificial vocalization during lactation of sows promoted greater lactation efficiency and longer rest time, favoring the sows’ welfare.

摘要
本试验旨在评估人工发声（artificial vocalization）干预下，泌乳母猪及其仔猪窝群的行为模式与生产性能。试验选取28头泌乳母猪及其仔猪窝群，采用2×2双因素完全随机试验设计（人工发声×泌乳周数）。分别于泌乳第7天和第15天，对试验动物开展24小时行为监测，分析哺乳次数、间隔与频率，同时评估母猪的体况与生产性能。结果表明，人工发声可提升母猪采食频率与仔猪哺乳频率（P<0.05），增加母猪静息行为占比（P<0.05），并降低母猪活动时的警觉性（P<0.05）；泌乳第15天时，仔猪哺乳时段的次数与时长均显著降低（P<0.05）。人工发声干预对泌乳母猪的体况、产奶量，以及泌乳期仔猪窝群的生产性能均无显著影响（P>0.05）。在母猪泌乳期施加母源性人工发声干预，可提升泌乳效率、延长母猪休息时长，有助于改善母猪福利。