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In animal science, savaging (from savage) is overt aggression, usually including cannibalistic infanticide of newborn offspring, by a mother animal.[1] It is particularly prevalent among pigs,[1] where it affects up to 5% of gilts.[2]
Some gilt attacks on the newborn piglets are non-fatal, while others involve the death and eventual consumption of the piglets by the mother. It is estimated that 50% of piglet fatality is due to the mother sow attacking or unintentionally crushing the newborn pre-weaned animals.[1]
Pigs will sometimes attack other animals, including humans.[3]
Savaging has a negative effect on pig farming. Efforts to eliminate it include additional care and attention to the mother pig. Aggressive behavior may be due to fear, discomfort, and unsanitary conditions.[1] Control of the birthing process and human supervision are the best ways to prevent the mother from eating the young, but cost-effectiveness must also be considered.
Statistics indicate that cannibal mother pigs are usually repeat offenders. Thus, one method of prevention is to avoid use of past-offenders for breeding. Alternatively, placing experienced sows next to first-time mother gilts may discourage aggressive behavior.
Proper diet and nutrition decreases the likelihood of gilt cannibalism. Medication or hormones, such as mysoline, can also be given.
Notes
- ^ a b c d North Carolina Pork Conference – Management Tips to Reduce Pre-Weaning Mortality. 2002. North Carolina State University.
- ^ Savaging in gilts and second parity sows: a study of seven commercial farms. Journal of Animal Science, Vol. 79, Article 62.
- ^ Daily Mail article: Nurse 'savaged' by enraged giant pig. 13 October 2006
External links
- Prairie Swine 2001 article about savaging.
- Description and details at ThePigSite.com
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- This page was last modified on 12 September 2008, at 04:38.
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