Ethologische Untersuchungen zur Haltung tragender Sauen in einer dynamischen Gruppe bei rationierter Einzelfütterung über einen Abrufautomaten

A group-housing system with one electronic feeder station for 26 to 32 pregnant gilts and sows was evaluated ethologically. All animals were observed continuously and directly for 84 h. Simultaneously, their behaviour was recorded on video. Main points of the ethological study wer e the use of lying areas, the function of the corridors, use of the feeder station and of the water nipples, time analysis of feeding behaviour in the feeder station for each individual, straw-oriented behaviour, the locations of aggressive interaction between sows and the occurence of the behavioural disturbances such as bar-biting, tongue-playing or vacuum chewing. In general it appears, that this group-housing system is a practical alternative to the individual confinement of pregnant sows. Between farrowings, sows have the opportuny for locomotion four-month-period. The study has provided some indications for improvement of the housing and feeding of sows in this system