Abstracts - Management

Sampling technique validated to monitor PRRSV-2 using serosanguinous exudate or processing fluids (PFs) from tissues obtained during tail docking and castration provides a general framework to interpret PRRSV-2 surveillance program results more accurately.

Gradually weaned pigs performed better around transitions than abruptly weaned pigs and gradual weaning resulted in beneficial long-term effects on behavior.

Caffeine positively affected the vitality of the piglets, as indicated by greater vitality scores than that for the control group.

This study expands the concept of coping style in farm animals, particularly in terms of individual stress reactivity and disease susceptibility, and thus contributes to the understanding of the biology of animal welfare.

Nurse sow strategies do not appear to compromise piglet growth. However, new-born piglets transferred onto sows in late lactation experienced more competition at the udder.

Results show the importance of lactation length on piglets’ BW variability. Weaning at 25.5 d, equivalent to 7 kg BW, optimizes slaughtering pig performance.

No difference was detected between nurse sows and non-nurse sows in body condition or severity of lesions.

Straw in a rack was found to be the best material to meet the behavioural needs of pigs.

We recommend using tightly spaced mesh of horse panels to reduce trap-related injuries and incorporation of trap shrouds to facilitate delivery of chemical immobilization drugs when handling wild pigs.

The aim of the study was to compare the interest of chopped straw to growing pigs to those of various objects, either organic or not.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of two iron sources, gleptoferron (GLF) and iron dextran (DXT) in two-day old piglets.

In many European countries the majority of the pigs are still routinely tail-docked, which is a violation of the European legislation.

In order to analyse whether nurse sows have more welfare problems than non-nurse sows a cross-sectional study was conducted in 57 sow herds in Denmark.

Energy allowance due to feeding level offered during gestation may affect litter size and weight at birth.

The results of this study show opportunities to reduce harmful biting behaviours in pigs.

Intratesticular lidocaine provides an additional side effect free analgesia.

The study provides preliminary evidence that when comparing Salmonella-inconspicuous farms with Salmonella-conspicuous ones, the colostrum supply may be a critical factor that needs to be considered.

Littermates might be less socially connected among themselves which may predispose them to development of tail-biting.

Composting appears to be an effective disposal method for PEDV-infected piglet carcasses under the conditions examined.

The objective of this study was to investigate associations between early life indicators, lactation management factors and subsequent mortality, health, welfare and carcass traits of offspring.

Providing the NSAID ketoprofen to sows post-farrowing was investigated and sow feed intake, IgG transfer, behaviour and piglet performance were measured.

Levels of natural autoantibody-binding phosphorylcholine-conjugated bovine serum albumin and myelin basic protein were measured over time in pigs that were kept in environmental enriched v. barren housing.

Surgical castration has a negative impact on production in the suckling period, especially in pigs in the three lower quartiles for body weight.

Early social environment can affect the development of aggression in the pig. Group lactation piglets have reduced aggression and skin injuries post-weaning.