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Dynamic space utilization for lame and non-lame gestating sows Estimated by the lying-standing sequence
Livestock Science
  • Jared M. Mumm, Iowa State University
  • Julia Adriana Calderón Díaz, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre
  • Joseph D. Stock, Iowa State University
  • Anna K. Johnson, Iowa State University
  • Jack C. M. Dekkers, Iowa State University
  • Alejandro Ramirez, Iowa State University
  • Samaneh Azarpajouh, Iowa State University
  • Kenneth J. Stalder, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Accepted Manuscript
Publication Date
2-25-2019
DOI
10.1016/j.livsci.2019.02.014
Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the dynamic space utilization for lame and non-lame sows using their lying-standing postural sequence profile. Eighty-five sows (parity 0.9±1.14; range 0 to 4) were used. Sows were moved to a pen on 30, 60 and 90 days of gestation and a ceiling mounted camera was installed above the pen to record one lying-standing event per sow. Observations ceased when the sow lied and stood, or 2.5 hours elapsed from recording commencement. Additionally, each sow was evaluated for walking lameness while moving from their gestation stall to the pen. Still frames were captured from the sows‟ lying and standing sequences and were combined into a single image and measured by counting pixels from contouring the sows‟ body (CONTOUR), overlaying a grid on the sow image and counting any square including any part of the sow (FULL-GRID) and only counting any square that was half full or more (HALF-GRID). The space utilized while turning around was calculated by measuring the sows‟ length from snout to the base of the tail and using that length as the diameter of a circle (D-PIVOT), or as the radius of a circle (R-PIVOT). Parity was re-classified as 0, 1, and 2+. Data were analyzed using mixed model methods with lameness, gestation day, and measuring method as fixed effects and sow as random effect. There were no observed differences in the dynamic space utilized to lie, stand or turn around between lame and non-lame sows (P > 0.05). On average, sows used 1.2±0.47 m2 to lie and 1.3±0.46 m2 to stand. There was no difference between the CONTOUR and HALF-GRID methods (P > 0.05); however, using the FULL-GRID sows required 0.3 m2 more floor area to lie and stand compared with the other measuring methods (P < 0.05). Space used to turn around differed between measuring method (P < 0.05). Sows required 1.9±0.18 m2 for D-PIVOT and 7.3±0.18 m2 for R-PIVOT to turn around. Space utilized to lie-down and stand-up increased as gestation progressed (P < 0.05). Under the conditions of this study, lameness did not influence dynamic space utilization; however, lameness recorded was relatively mild and might not have been sufficiently severe to significantly affect the results. These results could be important in decision-making process for housing specifications regarding US sow gestation housing.

Comments

This is a manuscript of an article published as Mumm, Jared M., Julia Adriana Calderón Díaz, Joseph D. Stock, Anna K. Johnson, Jack CM Dekkers, Alejandro Ramirez, Samaneh Azarpajouh, and Kenneth J. Stalder. "Dynamic space utilization for lame and non-lame gestating sows Estimated by the lying-standing sequence." Livestock Science (2019). doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.02.014. Posted with permission.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International
Copyright Owner
Elsevier B.V.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Jared M. Mumm, Julia Adriana Calderón Díaz, Joseph D. Stock, Anna K. Johnson, et al.. "Dynamic space utilization for lame and non-lame gestating sows Estimated by the lying-standing sequence" Livestock Science (2019)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kenneth_stalder/231/