Behaviour of Sows and Pigs in a Course of the Lactation Period

Abstract

Physiological conditon activating maternal behaviour is very complex, because it is caused by changes in endocrinic and nervous systems. Sows are different from other mammals, so that sows bear a large number of mature babies, capable of suckling immediately. The begining of suckling is initiated by the sow. By squealing the sow calls the pigs, which by tactile excitation of teats lead to secretion of milk. During the gestation the sow is increasing the body reserves to accommodate the production of milk post partum. Post partum anabolic processes become catabolic, giving priority to the dairy gland in relation to other tissues. The levels of catabolic processes during lactation depend on the dietary value of secretion. Maximum secreted milk takes place betwen the 2 nd. And the 3 nd. week. Sows lose in the body mass and it causes chauges in the value of some blood parameters. The level of glucose in plasma is low (it is decreasing for more than 50%), while the level of urea is high, due to huge proteins available. It can also be noticed that there is a high mobilisation of the body fat, an increasing level of the NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid). Secretion of milk is under control prolactin and oxytocin. Oxytocin affects the maternal behaviour and prolactin is linked with suck timing. Sows have necessity to be devoted mothers. They maintain regular suckling in order to reduce cross-suckling (pigs suckling other sows).