Recyclable Rubber Flooring in Farrowing Crates and Its Influence on the Development and Welfare of Piglets in the Maternity Phase

Recyclable Rubber Flooring in Farrowing Crates and Its Influence on the Development and Welfare of Piglets in the Maternity Phase

To boost productivity in pig production, it is essential to improve the litter size per sow. However, achieving this goal requires reducing newborn mortality rates and increasing their weight gain. In this regard, prioritizing animal welfare and adopting practices that promote sustainability in the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Agriculture (Basel) Vol. 14; no. 6; p. 807
Main Authors: de Oliveira Possagnolo, Beatriz, da Silva Condotta, Isabella Cardoso Ferreira, Amorim, Magno do Nascimento, Harada, Érik dos Santos, de Stefano Piedade, Sônia Maria, Cipriano, Daniele Aparecida Mendonça, da Silva-Miranda, Késia Oliveira
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-06-2024
Subjects:
alternative material
Animal behavior
Animal welfare
Animals
Environmental impact
Floor coverings industry
Flooring
Health aspects
Hogs
Humidity
Hypothermia
Litter size
Masonry
Microclimate
Mortality
Physiological aspects
Physiology
Pork industry
Productivity
Recycling
Rubber
Rubber goods
Shavings
Sustainable materials
Swine
swine farming
Swine production
Thermal comfort
Thermal energy
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Summary:To boost productivity in pig production, it is essential to improve the litter size per sow. However, achieving this goal requires reducing newborn mortality rates and increasing their weight gain. In this regard, prioritizing animal welfare and adopting practices that promote sustainability in the activity is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the sustainable flooring coverage of farrowing crates, considering piglet adaptation, thermal comfort, animal development, and increased productivity. Three types of flooring treatments were defined: T1—wood shavings; T2—solid rubber mat; T3—perforated rubber mat, for 12 litters (±50 animals/treatment). Behavior, physiology, piglet production indices, and facility microclimate were assessed. The facility’s microclimate indicated the possibility of cold stress. There was a greater preference for the mat treatments among the animals, as they remained on them for longer periods and showed increased activity in the farrowing crates. The presence of mats resulted in lower mortality due to crushing, positively contributing to production. These findings suggest the potential of using recyclable rubber mats in pig production and encourage the exploration of new designs and installation locations.
ISSN:2077-0472
2077-0472
DOI:10.3390/agriculture14060807