Recyclable Rubber Flooring in Farrowing Crates and Its Influence on the Development and Welfare of Piglets in the Maternity Phase

Beatriz de Oliveira Possagnolo, Isabella Cardoso Ferreira da Silva Condotta, Magno do Nascimento Amorim, Érik dos Santos Harada, Sônia Maria de Stefano Piedade, Daniele Aparecida Mendonça Cipriano and Késia Oliveira da Silva-Miranda ()
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Beatriz de Oliveira Possagnolo: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
Isabella Cardoso Ferreira da Silva Condotta: Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801-4733, USA
Magno do Nascimento Amorim: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
Érik dos Santos Harada: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
Sônia Maria de Stefano Piedade: Department of Exact Sciences, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
Daniele Aparecida Mendonça Cipriano: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
Késia Oliveira da Silva-Miranda: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: To boost productivity in pig production, it is essential to improve the litter size per sow. However, achieving this goal requires reducing newborn mortality rates and increasing their weight gain. In this regard, prioritizing animal welfare and adopting practices that promote sustainability in the activity is crucial. The study aimed to evaluate the sustainable flooring coverage of farrowing crates, considering piglet adaptation, thermal comfort, animal development, and increased productivity. Three types of flooring treatments were defined: T1—wood shavings; T2—solid rubber mat; T3—perforated rubber mat, for 12 litters (±50 animals/treatment). Behavior, physiology, piglet production indices, and facility microclimate were assessed. The facility’s microclimate indicated the possibility of cold stress. There was a greater preference for the mat treatments among the animals, as they remained on them for longer periods and showed increased activity in the farrowing crates. The presence of mats resulted in lower mortality due to crushing, positively contributing to production. These findings suggest the potential of using recyclable rubber mats in pig production and encourage the exploration of new designs and installation locations.

Keywords: alternative material; animal behavior; thermal comfort; swine farming (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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