BEHAVIOR AND EXTENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF DOMESTIC SOWS (SUS-SCROFA) AND LITTERS

Application of knowledge of the ethological characteristics of domestic swine (Sus scrofa) facilitates their efficacious management under extensive agricultural conditions. Domestic swine exhibit complex maternal and social behavior that includes nest building, communal nesting, and a high degree of tolerance of young that are not their own even to the extent of defending those young and often allowing them to suckle. Neonatal piglets are highly precocial; they typically establish a teat order within 24 h of birth, can readily identify their own dams by odor and sound, and integrate into the herd when 1 week-10 days of age. A varied environment that includes grass, brush and water enables swine to optimize behaviorally their own welfare. Maintenance of farrowing sows in small groups in which individual farrowing dates are closely synchronized fosters formation of stable social relationships and minimizes displacement of young piglets from their dam's udder by older piglets. Human mimicry of key elements of typical greeting rituals facilitates positive interspecific socialization. Sows positively socialized to people usually tolerate close human approach and touch even during and after farrowing, making this species particularly well suited to educational, recreational or other programs that involve the close observation of, or human interaction with, animals.