PREPARTUM BEHAVIOUR OF GILTS IN TWO FARROWING ACCOMMODATION UNDER INTENSIVE SYSTEM*

An experiment was conducted to find out Prepartum behaviour in primiparous Large White
Yorkshire pigs. Twelve gilts were selected and randomly divided into two groups, each consists
of 6 gilts one under group house and other under individual pen. The gilts under group house
were moved to farrowing crate one week before the expected date of farrowing and gilts under
pen remained same in the pen during farrowing. Farrowing behaviours were recorded continuously
for the period from 3 days prior to day of farrowing. The duration and frequency of sitting, belly
lie and side lie were significantly (P0.01) higher in gilts from group housd in crate than gilts
in individual pen while the trend was reverse in case of standing position. The frequencies of all
postures and postural changes and duration of standing increased with the approach of farrowing
time, while duration of belly lie and side lie decreased with the approach of farrowing. Duration
of nesting activities like pawing, rooting and straw, bar biting, grunting and frequencies of nest
building activities, biting, grunting and champing except straw activity were significantly (P