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The frequency and nature of daily contacts between farmers and their animals influence the quality of their relationships in a favorable way (confidence in humans) or unfavourable way (fear of humans) for the animal. This can affect technical results. The objective of the RHAPORC project was first to measure the relationship between humans and animals (RHA) and evaluate its importance on the technical results, and second to identify factors determining the RHA. RHA was assessed using approach tests conducted on 52 farms for a sample of 30 sows (rank 2 and over) and 5 gilts (rank 1) per farm during the gestation period. Two observers each visited 26 farms. A reactivity score of 0 (approach impossible) to 4 (maintaining physical contact for more than 5 seconds) was assigned to each animal. The performance of the previous farrowing was noted, as were the annual technical results of the farm. The farmers were divided into three profiles from interviews.
The scores varied significantly depending on the parity (P < 0.001). They were higher in gilts (2.2) and sows of rank 2 and 3 (1.9) than in older sows (score ≤ 1.7) and were influenced by many factors: the environment (feeding system, floor type), group size, animal rank, the farmer's profile and quarantine practices. High scores, i.e. 3 and 4, reflecting acceptance of contact by the sow, were associated with more total born and weaned pigs (P < 0.01). The weaning performance of the farms was also better for farmers whose profile was characterized by the importance of RHA in their profession (P < 0.05).
Our observations reaffirm the importance of a good relationship between farmers and their animals.
Courboulay, V., Kling-eveillard, F., Champigneulle, F., Fresnay, É., Pol, F. What the responsiveness of sows to humans tell us about their performance and living conditions. 52èmes Journées de la Recherche Porcine