THE PREPARTURIENT BEHAVIOR OF SOWS IN ENRICHED PENS AND THE EFFECT OF PREFORMED NESTS

The nest building behaviour of 12 preparturient sows was studied in enriched pens. Four categories of behaviour were observed: rooting, straw carrying, pawing and lying. In the 24 h before farrowing, six sows excavated hollows in sand floors and removed straw from dispensers to construct nests similar to those reported for sows kept outdoors. When pre-formed nests were presented to six sows on the day before farrowing, straw removal was reduced (P < 0.05), straw carrying and pawing remained the same. Rooting, lying and the duration of nest building increased (P < 0.05). Nest building is highly motivated behaviour in sows and the performance of the activities themselves appears to have a significant role in reducing the motivation. Nesting material appears to be a key factor both in the regulation and performance of the behaviour.