PRE-FARROWING BEHAVIOR OF SOWS AND GILTS WITH ACCESS TO SPACE FOR LOCOMOTION

The expression of pre-farrowing behaviour in sows and gilts with acces s to space was investigated. Six multiparous sows and 6 gilts were obs erved in a test arena 6.5 by 7 m with a pen 2 by 2 m in 1 corner. No s traw was provided in either pen. Observations commenced 4 days before farrowing. Each pig was observed from 0900 to 1700 hours, and the beha viour of the pig and her position in the pen and test arena were recor ded. Pigs close to farrowing were also observed overnight. Both sows a nd gilts showed a highly significant (P<0.001) increase in the distanc e walked in the 11-4 h before farrowing compared with that in previous days. This restlessness was also reflected in other behaviour pattern s performed by the pig. Nest building occurred in the 9 h before farro wing. There was no effect (P>0.05) of parity on the level of pre-farro wing locomotion, or on the amount of nest building performed. This ind icates that pre-farrowing behaviour is largely unaffected by experienc e of farrowing and that it may be largely under internal control.