Comportement de trois lignées génétiques de porcs à l'engrais et relations avec la consommation d'énergie résiduelle

by Lepron, Évelyne

The goal of this research was to evaluate the behavioural variability of three genetic lines of

growing pigs: Large White (LW), synthetic Meishan line (GM) and synthetic paternal line

(SG) and its relationship with residual energy intake.

Daily behaviour, behaviour at weighing and at slaughter showed that GM pigs were calmer

and tamer. Large White pigs were more aggressive and more nervous at weighing. The

synthetic paternal line was more nervous and more difficult to handle.

Residual energy intake, measured as the difference between observed and predicted energy

intake, was lower in GM pigs, likely because of differences in maintenance energy

requirements. Both physical activity, estimated by the analysis of postures, and stress,

represented by vocalisations, induced variation in residual energy intake..

Individual and genotypic behavioural variability may have an impact on adaptability,

welfare and energy utilisation in growing pigs.