Abstract
Subsequent to our previous report on the dunging habit of pigs in relation to the setting and environments of adjacent pigpens, we have attempted in the present study to check various factors within the pigpens, which exert influences upon the dunging habits of pigs. The following results were obtained:
1) It was found out that once the feeder was placed in an area favorable to their living and the comfortable conditions were perceived, the pigs find no difficulties in choosing their resting area and dunging site, and as a result, the site for dunging also is often concentrated. In contrast, if the location of the feeder is incompatible with the comfort of living conditions, the pigs tend to lay preference rather to the site of the feeder, and as a result, the site of dunging tends to be unspecific.
2) As the floor around the water supplier is usually wet with consequently poorer living conditions, the particular area tends to be preferred as the dunging site to the other conditions or other sites. However, by raising the floor around the water supplier, the pigs can use the area for their resting.
3) Presence of two or more sites with comparable safeguard against enemis and with comparable living conditions within a pigpen tends to have the pigs choosy for the resting site and consequently for the dunging sites which were not therefore consistent.
4) When the floor space of a pigpen allocated for the pigs to rest is more than enough, it is difficult for the pigs to concentrate the dunging sites within the space expected by the pig farmers.
5) In conclusion, it is desirable to meet the following requirements in order to concentrate the dunging sites of pigs within a limited range.
(1) The floor level of the resting area should be elevated higher than that of the dunging area. The fence adjacent to the resting area should be of a boarded structure not allowing see-through so as to provide them with sense of security. The feeder should be placed within the particular area.
(2) The fence adjacent to the dunging area should be of a see-through structure. The water supplier should be placed in this area so as to keep the floor generally wet. The access door should desirably be located within this aera as far as possible.
(3) A reasonable (not too few) number of pigs against the area of the resting place should be kept in the pens.
