The effect of mats on the welfare of sows and piglets in the farrowing house

Flooring in the farrowing house has changed dramatically over the years from straw bedding on concrete to metal, cast iron or plastic slats. Animals can develop abrasion injuries from these floors (Edwards and Lightfoot, 1986) and sows have been shown to avoid slatted floors during and immediately after farrowing (Phillips et al., 1996). There is some evidence that providing a cushioning material in the pen could improve animal welfare (Gravas, 1979). The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of providing mats in the farrowing house on behaviour and lesion development in sows and piglets.Nineteen sows and their litters housed on metal slatted floors (Tri-bar, Nooyen, Duerne, The Netherlands) and nineteen sows and their litters on mats (Productive Comfort, Pemarsa, S.A.) were included in the study. Mats were made of micro-cellular foam and were placed in the area of the farrowing crate and on both heat pads. Sows were examined in 34 locations for skin lesions on entry to the farrowing house and again at weaning, approximately four weeks later. Lesions were scored according to their severity (1 to 6); addition of scores yielded a total score for each sow.