title: The effect of rubber flooring on displaying stereotypies in gilts.
abstract: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of rubber mats in service unit on displaying stereotypies in gilts. Four 28-day production cycles in all seasons were observed. Each cycle included 28 gilts housed in gestation stalls with slatted concrete floor, which was covered with adjusted mats for 14 gilts (experimental group), while the remaining 14 gilts served as controls. Display of stereotypies and other behaviours observed, mat manipulation and postural behaviours were estimated by direct 1-hour observation of gilts at 2-minute intervals after morning feed supply on days 1, 8, 15 and 28 of each cycle. During the study period, displaying stereotypies was significantly less frequent (P < 0.05) in experimental group as compared with control group. The rate of particular forms of stereotypies, i.e. vacuum chewing, bar biting and teeth grinding, was also significantly lower (P < 0.05 all) in experimental group throughout the study period. A significant negative correlation (P <.05) was found between the service unit air temperature and frequency of displaying stereotypies in control group, which could be attributed to the significantly more common standing posture (P < 0.05) in control gilts in the conditions of lower air temperature. During the cold period, experimental gilts took a lying position significantly more frequently (P < 0.05). In the experimental group of gilts there was no significant correlation (P > 0.05 all) between the frequency of displaying stereotypies and the frequency of lying and other postures observed, as well as between the stereotypy display and the air temperature. There was no significant correlation (P > 0.05 all) between the frequency of mat manipulation and displaying stereotypies in total or its particular forms, suggesting that the less pronounced stereotypy display in experimental gilts may have been influenced by factors other than those observed in the present study.
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Ostović
authors: Sven
authors: S
authors: Menčik
authors: Anamaria Ekert
authors: AE
authors: Kabalin
authors: Gordana Gregurić
authors: GG
authors: Gračner
authors: Marija
authors: M
authors: Vučemilo
authors: Kristina
authors: K
authors: Matković
authors: Tajana Trbojević
authors: TT
authors: Vukičević
authors: Jurica
authors: J
authors: Grahovac
authors: Zeljko
authors: Z
authors: Pavičić
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005260:Female; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006799:Housing, Animal; D011897:Random Allocation; D012408:Rubber; D013552:Swine; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D012408:Rubber