Abstract
Nest-building behavior, induced with intramuscular injections of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a), was studied in non-pregnant sows. Acute effects were also recorded, including salivation, scratching, vomiting, defecation, and ataxia. Sows (Large White x Landrace) were housed in two different environments; six in bare pens and six in pens provided with bedding material. All cases except one (bare pen) nest-building sequences of differing intensities were recorded. Welfare suggestions include questioning the justification of using a drug (PGF2a) 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, Judith K.
(1983)
"Prostaglandin F2a Induced Nest Building Behavior in the Non-Pregnant Sow, and Some Welfare Considerations,"
International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems: Vol. 4:
No.
4, Article 13.
Available at:
https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/ijsap/vol4/iss4/13