Behavioural responses of sows pre- and post-partum to prostaglandin F-2 alpha: Preliminary findings

The behaviour of 8 sows was studied in two 24 hr periods before and after the birth of the first piglet. Parturition was induced in 4 sows using prostaglandin F-2 alpha (Lutalyse, Upjohn Ltd.) while the other sows were administered control injections and allowed to farrow naturally. Sows were not confined and had access to straw for nesting. Data was analysed in time intervals of 4 hrs on a split plot basis. For both groups, behaviour pre-partum was typical of that described elsewhere showing increased activity following prostaglandin injection 24 hrs pre-partum. Increased nesting behaviour was recorded for both groups 8 to 4 hrs pre-partum followed by a decline in this activity by control, but not by induced, sows as farrowing approached. The main interest of this study focused on the behavioural profiles exhibited by sows post-partum. Induced sows showed less (P<0.005) kneeling/sitting, pawing and nesting behaviours and more (P<0.05) lying compared with controls 24 hrs post-partum. There were no effects of time interval on any behaviours post-partum but the interaction between treatment and time interval was significant (P<0.05) for nesting behaviour only. The time spent on nesting behaviour by induced sows varied from 0.25 to 1.2 min/hr between 4 hr time intervals. Control sows showed similar low values until 12 to 16 hrs post-partum when nesting activity increased to 5.0 min/hr followed by a decline. Results are discussed in relation to implications for porcine husbandry.