AN APPROACH RESPONSE OF PIGLETS TO THE SOW'S NURSING VOCALIZATIONS

Abstract

The approach response of piglets to recorded sow nursing vocalizations was tested in a T-maze. Sixty-nine percent of piglets 1–14 d of age approached the vocalizations. Neither age nor experience nor hunger affected the strength of this response. An approach response to sow vocalizations may be important for the contiguity of the litter, and for the elicitation of the approach response of piglets in nursings initiated by the sow. Key words: Behavior, approach for nursing, piglets, vocalization