Faktorer som påverkar suggors sociala beteenden och effekter av aggressivt beteende vid grupphållning av suggor

Abstract: Aggressive interactions among group housed sows are currently an important and pressing issue. Group housing of dry sows is becoming more common but aggressiveness at grouping of sows causes a dilemma between the benefits of free movement on one hand and injuries and increased mortality and culling on the other hand. Moreover, aggressive interactions between sows cause impaired reproduction and production leading to lower profitability for the farmer. It is possible to reduce the degree of aggression at grouping of sows by changing housing conditions such as pen size, group size, group composition and feeding conditions. It is also possible that through socialization during early life of the gilts, improve their social skills. Improved social skills can reduce the proportion of aggressive interactions and accelerate the establishment of the social ranking during regrouping. For best results, it is appropriate to combine these methods and also include selective breeding for animals with good temper.