Prostaglandin F2a Induced Nest Building Behavior in the Non-Pregnant Sow, and Some Welfare Considerations

Authors

Judith K. Blackshaw, University of Queensland

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1983

Abstract

Nest building behavior, induced with intramuscular injections of prostaglandin F2_a (PGF2_a), was studied in non-pregnant sows. Acute effects, which included salivation, scratching, vomiting, defaecation and ataxia, were also recorded. Sows (Large White x Landrace) were housed in two different environments; six sows in bare pens and six sows in pens provided with bedding material. In all cases except one (bare pen) nest building sequences of differing intensities were recorded. Welfare suggestions include questioning the justification of using a drug (PGF2_a) in pig husbandry, which has unpleasant acute effects, and the suggestion that the provision of bedding material is not necessary for a nest building sequence to occur.

Recommended Citation

Blackshaw, J.K. (1983). Prostaglandin F2a induced nesting behavior in the non-pregnant sow, and some welfare considerations. International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems, 4(4), 299-304.