A descriptive survey of the range of injuries sustained and farmers' attitudes to vulva biting in breeding sows in south-west England
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| Category | Journal Articles |
|---|---|
| Abstract |
The within-farm prevalence of vulva biting in breeding sows in south-west England was investigated using a postal survey sent to 410 pig farmers in January 1997. The response rate was 65% and there were 83 usable replies. The majority of farms where vulva biting was reported indicated a low within-farm prevalence of 1-9% of sows affected, although prevalences as high as 30-60% were reported. The injuries reported ranged from bleeding to removal of the whole vulva, the most commonly reported injuries being bleeding and superficial damage to the vulva. No long-term effects from this injury to service and dry sows were reported by 70% and 76% of farmers respectively. Competition for food, aggressive sows, closeness to farrowing and mixing of sows were the commonest causes suggested by these farmers. |
| Date | 2000 |
| Publication Title | Animal Welfare |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 273-280 |
| ISBN/ISSN | 0962-7286 |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| DOI | 10.1017/S0962728600022740 |
| Author Address | Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. |
| Additional Language | English |
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