Comportamento de porcas lactantes em função do tipo de maternidade no inverno Comportamiento de cerdas lactantes en función del tipo de maternidad en invierno

Aiming to evaluate the effects of different housing systems on the behavior of lactating sows during the winter, 27 sows were used in a 28 days trial. The design used was completely randomized, with three treatments (Conventional housing system with piglet; Conventional housing with piglet and with floor heating for piglets, and an alternative housing system with access to an open area) and nine replicates. Each sow had a 24 hours period of recording at days 7, 14, 21 and 27 to evaluate their behavior. Sows kept in the alternative system spent more time at the feeder and drinking water when compared to sows kept in the conventional housing system. Sows kept in conventional housing spent more time in other activities than eating and drinking when compared to the sows in the alternative system. Also, sows in the alternative housing system had better physiological parameters than those of conventional systems. In conclusion, the alternative house system and the conventional one with floor heating for piglets provide increased welfare for sows and for piglets when compared to conventional housing system.