Savaging

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Proper care of the piglets by a mother gilt depends on sanitary conditions and a comfortable environment.
Proper care of the piglets by a mother gilt depends on sanitary conditions and a comfortable environment.

Savaging, in animal science, is the cannibalistic behavior of a mother animal to newborn babies. It is particularly prevalent among pigs,[1] where it affects up to 5% of gilts.

Some gilt attacks on the newborn piglets are non-fatal, while others involve the death and eventual consumption of the piglets by the mother.

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Savaging has a negative effect on commercial hog production. Efforts to eliminate it include additional care and attention to the mother pig. Aggressive behavior may be due to fear, discomfort, and unsanitary conditions. 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.

  1. ^ http://mark.asci.ncsu.edu/NCPorkConf/2002/lay.htm

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