HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Tonn, S. R. Articles by Craig, J. V. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Tonn, S. R. Articles by Craig, J. V.

Mating Behavior, Boar-to-Boar Behavior during Rearing and Soundness of Boars Penned Individually or in Groups from 6 to 27 Weeks of age^1,2,

Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506

Abstract

Individual and group-reared boars were compared in two experiments, for treatment effects on mating behavior, growth rate, feed consumption and feed/gain. Soundness also was evaluated in one experiment. Boar-to-boar behaviors were studied in group-penned boars. In Exp. 1, boars were either reared in a group of five or individually from 12 to 27 wk of age, or group-penned from 12 to 19 wk and individually from 19 wk. In Exp. 2, boars were either penned individually from 6 to 27 wk, group-penned (eight/pen) from 6 to 27 wk, grouped from 6 to 12 wk and then penned individually, or individually penned from 6 to 12 wk and then group-penned. Beginning at 29 wk of age, boars were tested every 2 wk for mating behavior in the presence of an estrous gilt. Four mating tests were conducted in Exp. 1 and five tests in Exp. 2. Individually penned boars grew faster from 6 to 12 wk old in Exp. 2, but no other treatment effects on growth rate were observed. Treatment had very little effect on mating test haviors, but individual penning markedly reduced leg soundness. Sheath sniffing first appeared at 16 to 18 wk of age in group-penned boars and was followed closely by anal sniffing. Side nosing increased between 20 and 23 wk. Mounting activity from 12 to 27 wk old was correlated with mating test score in Exp. 1 (.76; P<01) and Exd 2 (.55;P<05).

¹ Dept. Anim. Sci. and Ind. Contrib. No. 83-194-J Kansas Agr. Exp. Sta.

² The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of O. Dawydiak, J. Clarkson, S. Pope, R. LaForge and Drs. R. Hines and S. Pollmann for their assistance in conducting these experiments and B. Totten for typing the manuscript.

³ Present address: Marion Co. Ext. Office, Box 178, Marion, KS 66861.