Digestive utilization of high fibre diets in pregnant sows; effects on the feeding activity and sterotypies

The effects of three levels of crude fibre in diets (L : 3.3%, M : 10.6%, H : 18.1%) were studied on the feeding and stereotyped activities. Twelve pregnant multiparous sows LW were used in a 3 x 3 latin-square design. Dry sows had a higher capacity to digest fibrous diets than growing pigs. Pregnant sows fed the H diet took longer time to consume their daily feed, performed stronger mastication activity, were less active and exhibited less oral activities. The relationships between the behavioural expression and the metabolic and physiological effects of the fibrous nutrients are discussed.