Prof. Inger-Lise Andersen

Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway

Biosketch

I am a professor of ethology and animal welfare at the Norwegian Univ. of Life Sciences, Dep. of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Bioscience. I am currently teaching several courses in ethology and animal welfare for graduate and undergraduate students, and supervising bachelor students, master students and PhDs. My main research focus has been behaviour and welfare in pigs in all phases of production including pregnant sows, sows and piglets, weaned and finishing pigs. The topics on pigs include social dynamics, loose-housing systems, maternal behaviour and piglet survival, farrowing environment, environmental enrichment and positive emotions, and welfare of weaned pigs, finishing pigs and sows with their piglets. I also have experience in research and teaching in other farm animal species, such as sheep, goats and horses. In these species I have focused on social dynamics, and more recently on horse signals and communication and how this information can be used to enhance welfare in sport horses. Finally, I am involved in a larger project on stress biology/resilience and pigmentation in juvenile rainbow trout and salmon.

Short Abstract

Behaviour of sows and their piglets in different crated and free farrowing systems

Piglet mortality due to maternal overlying and piglet starvation caused by sibling competition increases with larger litters, especially in loose-housing systems. Nest-building, sow-initiated communication with the piglets and maternal carefulness, are all vital traits for piglet survival that are underemphasized in crated systems. While semi-crated systems offer more freedom than crates, sow welfare is still highly compromised, and a natural interaction with piglets remain limited. An optimal farrowing pen must provide sufficient space for sows to turn around and orient while communicating with their piglets. Clear separation between nest/rest and activity/dunging areas is crucial. Key features for improving piglet survival include access to nest-building materials, enough space for sows to turn and nurse, and sloped, solid walls to reduce crushing risks. Floor heating in the nest area can help newborn piglets dry faster, retain heat, and nurse sooner. Many farrowing pens assume piglets will leave the sow for a warm creep area. However, under natural conditions, piglets stay close to their mother for warmth, protection, and access to milk. Even in high-quality creep areas, piglets prefer resting in body contact with their mother during the first two days. Staying close to the sow provides piglets with the best chance of survival through warmth, comfort, and access to a teat during the colostrum period. For individually loose housed or group housed sows, systematic management routines around the time of farrowing are needed to achieve the same level of piglet survival as in crated systems.