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Sow behaviour in computerised feeding systems
85 attacks received. Their interruptions were also longer (36.2 against 19.2 s). Finally, the dominant sows generally finished feeding later (1504.8 against 1323.9 s, respectively). This research was supported by grants from the Italian Ministero Pubblica Istruzione and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche.
Sow Behaviour in Computerised Feeding Systems T.G. KNOWLES, J.C. EDISON, A.T. VRANCH and P.H. BROOKS
Seale Hayne College, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6NQ, Gt. Britain
ABSTRACT Computerised dry sow feeding systems are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to earlier husbandry systems, partly in order to overcome some of the welfare problems associated with tethered sow systems. In order to investigate the feeding behaviour of dry sows in such a system, to see whether it may give rise to any welfare problems of its own, an interface has been developed between a system with two feeding stations ("Pig Code") and a microcomputer data collection system recording the amount of food eaten and the time and duration of every visit. Data collected over a 2°month period showed a regular diurnal variation in visits to feeding stations. A peak in visiting frequency coincided with the start of the daily feeding cycle at 07:05 a.m. (GMT). This was composed of a sharp rise in the frequency of non-feeding visits during the 2 h before the start of the feeding cycle, followed by an even sharper and more sustained increase in frequency of feeding visits when the new cycle started. The animals used the two feeding stations to unequal extents. The causes underlying these results have yet to be established.
Strategies and Tactics in Foraging of the Eatable
The Pursuit
A.W. ILLIUS
Department of Agriculture, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG (Gt. Britain)
ABSTRACT Optimal foraging theory provides a framework for the analysis of foraging behaviour. Foraging strategies are part of a hierarchy of strategic goals which contribute eventually to the lifetime
Sow Behaviour in Computerised Feeding Systems T.G. KNOWLES, J.C. EDISON, A.T. VRANCH and P.H. BROOKS
Seale Hayne College, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6NQ, Gt. Britain
ABSTRACT Computerised dry sow feeding systems are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to earlier husbandry systems, partly in order to overcome some of the welfare problems associated with tethered sow systems. In order to investigate the feeding behaviour of dry sows in such a system, to see whether it may give rise to any welfare problems of its own, an interface has been developed between a system with two feeding stations ("Pig Code") and a microcomputer data collection system recording the amount of food eaten and the time and duration of every visit. Data collected over a 2°month period showed a regular diurnal variation in visits to feeding stations. A peak in visiting frequency coincided with the start of the daily feeding cycle at 07:05 a.m. (GMT). This was composed of a sharp rise in the frequency of non-feeding visits during the 2 h before the start of the feeding cycle, followed by an even sharper and more sustained increase in frequency of feeding visits when the new cycle started. The animals used the two feeding stations to unequal extents. The causes underlying these results have yet to be established.
Strategies and Tactics in Foraging of the Eatable
The Pursuit
A.W. ILLIUS
Department of Agriculture, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG (Gt. Britain)
ABSTRACT Optimal foraging theory provides a framework for the analysis of foraging behaviour. Foraging strategies are part of a hierarchy of strategic goals which contribute eventually to the lifetime