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Excretory behaviour of lactating sows in an outdoor organic production system

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2017

J. Marcellis
Affiliation:
Den Bosch University of Applied Agriculture, The Netherlands
H. Kelly
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
H. Browning
Affiliation:
Eastbrook Farm, Bishopstone, Swindon SN6 8PW, UK
J. Day
Affiliation:
ADAS Terrington, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE34 4PW
S. Edwards
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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Extract

The excretory behaviour of outdoor lactating sows has important implications for sow and piglet health, especially in organic systems, where use of anthelmintics and other medication is restricted. It is also important in determining the environmental impact of the system. If foraging and excretion are spatially separated this limits risk of parasite infection, but may lead to nutrient “hotspot” formation with potential for leaching and poor nutrient cycling to subsequent crops. Where nose-ringing of organic sows is not permitted by the certification scheme, pasture will be destroyed by foraging activity, further promoting nutrient losses. This study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of excretory behaviour and patterns of pasture loss during the period from farrowing to weaning.

Type
Poster Presentations
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Science 2002

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