Pig Farming

Management of Savaging in piglets

June 6, 2024

Management of Savaging in piglets

Hina Ashraf Waiz

Assistant Professor ,Livestock Production Management, College of veterinary & Animal Science, Udaipur, Rajasthan University of Veterinary & Animal Science, Bikaner, 334001, India

Corresponding Author: drhinavet@gmail.com , M.O. +91 8003430158

Introduction

Savaging or cannibalism is frequently observed in gilts during their initial litters and is frequently linked to the gilts’ nervousness or anxiety before giving birth. It can manifest in certain lineages or breeds and might be connected to the fear of the unfamiliar farrowing surroundings, particularly if the animals were previously housed in a loose manner. The hormonal alterations related to farrowing could potentially influence this behavior. In certain instances, an ailing sow might exhibit aggression towards her piglets, while piglets with untrimmed teeth can inadvertently harm the udder, resulting in discomfort.

Causes of savaging

The impact during farrowing can be more severe if the gilt has had limited time to calm down, for instance, if she farrows the day after being confined in a crate. Likewise, gilts that are not provided with sufficient time to settle and construct nests outdoors can become agitated and more likely to display aggressive behavior.
The behavior of gilts can also be influenced by the overall management approach after mating and prior to giving birth. Increased interaction with humans during gestation can result in gilts being less cautious when confined in crates.
Agitation can also be heightened by the abrupt decrease in food consumption required prior to farrowing in order to avoid issues related to milking and physical health.
The conduct of the stockman in the farrowing area can impact the behavior of gilts and sows. A stockman who is loud and agitated may make the pigs nervous, while one who works quietly will have a calming effect.
Farrowing discomfort can lead to increased aggression in gilts, especially when they are surrounded by larger pigs in smaller litters. The smaller the pigs due to a larger litter size, the less discomfort may be experienced during farrowing. Farrowing discomfort can lead to increased aggression in gilts, especially when they are surrounded by larger pigs in smaller litters. The smaller the pigs due to a larger litter size, the less discomfort may be experienced during farrowing.
There exists a significant correlation between savaging and an excessive body condition in gilts. This could be attributed to the accumulation of fat in the pelvis, which restricts the birth canal. Additionally, the excessive growth of piglets near term may lead to the delivery of larger piglets through a narrow channel. It is also possible that both factors contribute to this association.
Similarly, just as a sow within a room can initiate a chain reaction of other sows calling their litters to suck, the aggressive behavior of a gilt or sow attacking a piglet can incite imitative behavior.
If piglets are confined in separate boxes immediately after birth and then distributed, fewer issues are likely to arise. However, if the female pig has nursed some of her own piglets and the litters are exchanged within the first 12 – 24 hours, she may exhibit a negative response towards the foster piglets, resulting in potential harm.

Preventive measures

Treat pregnant gilts with empathy on a regular basis.
Employ a calm approach when managing farrowing houses.
Guarantee that gilts are confined in crates for a minimum of three days before farrowing. (This requirement should be balanced with the necessity to maintain a consistent flow of farrowing houses and prevent extended periods of lying down before farrowing, which can lead to pressure sores on the shoulders).
Offer bran as an alternative to high-level compound feed before farrowing.
Initiate and oversee the farrowing process, and relocate piglets to separate boxes during the process.
Do not transfer litters to young female pigs.
Monitor the feeding of young female pigs to prevent them from giving birth in an overweight condition.
There is a belief among some farmers that playing music in the area where piglets are born can help reduce aggressive behavior. However, the effects of music are likely to be indirect and more beneficial for the farmers than the pigs, considering the wide variety of music played.
Lowering the lighting levels or farrowing in complete darkness does not have a significant positive impact on reducing aggressive behavior in pigs. In fact, it may even go against welfare regulations or quality assurance standards.

Conclusion

It is widely acknowledged that prevention is more effective than treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize maintaining a strong biosecurity system in order to reduce the occurrence of diseases. In summary, by paying close attention, practicing good hygiene, ensuring thermal comfort to enhance feed intake for gilts, sows and piglets, managing nutrition effectively, and closely monitoring behavioral patterns while taking necessary precautions, we can certainly address the issue of savaging. It is imperative to maintain a high level of vigilance at all gilt farms in order to safeguard piglets from savaging. Producers should carefully evaluate savaging behavior as a determining factor for culling.