Technological solutions for improving the welfare of gestating sows in group housing

Modern pig breeding is focused on improving the welfare of sows by optimising housing conditions and introducing natural feed additives with hepatoprotective effects. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the complex feed additive “Gepasorbex” on the behavioural reactions of gestating sows. The experiment was carried out under conditions of group housing of animals in industrial conditions of the private-rental enterprise “Victoria” (Mykolaiv region). The experiment was carried out on 62 heads of two-breed sows (Large White × Landrace), inseminated by boars of the terminal line “Maxter”. The sows were divided into three groups: control (basic diet), experimental II (basic diet + 0.15 % “Gepasorbex”) and experimental III (basic diet + 0.15 % commercial analogue). Behavioural responses were assessed using video monitoring (Mobotix 6MP network camera) for two weeks. It was found that the addition of the feed additive “Gepasorbex” to the diet contributed to a decrease in motor activity (186.5 min in experimental group II vs. 289.2 min in the control group, p ≤ 0.001), an increase in rest time (by 4, 18-6.41 % more compared to the control, p ≤ 0.01) and a decrease in stereotypical behaviour, in particular fictitious chewing (decrease by 120.2-131.1 min, p ≤ 0.001) and hunger indication (by 109.0-111.8 min, p ≤ 0.01). The use of “Gepasorbex” as a functional feed additive for gestating sows has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving their behavioural profile, which confirms the feasibility of using natural hepatoprotectors in programmes to improve animal welfare. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of mycotoxin adsorbents in the diet helps to reduce stress reactions, increase the comfort of keeping and the overall welfare of sows. The data obtained can be used to optimise technological solutions in industrial pig production systems