Effect of Seasonal Variations and Breed Differences on Physiological and Behavioural Parameters of Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) Piglets in Sundarban, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: The learning of behavioural patterns in pig production is crucial because each and every single animal at disparate ages behaves diversely owing to the consequences and inter-linkage of stimuli which are either genetic or non-genetical disparities and which eventually influence the performance attributes of animals. Pigs possess a thick subcutaneous adipose tissue layer and lesser sweat glands; hence pigs control their body temperature through behavioural thermo-regulation in lieu of sweating. Aims: The present study was carried out to analyze the effect of season and breed variations on physiological and behavioural parameters of Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets under intensive system of housing. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for a period of six months in the Sundarban region of West Bengal, India. Methodology: The study investigate the physiological and behavioural parameters, a total of 12 (6 males and 6 females) piglets of each grower weaned (2 months age) Ghungroo and LWY piglets were selected for two seasons namely winter and summer. Those selected animals were kept in intensive housing. Physiological and behavioural parameters were recorded during both the winter and summer seasons. Results: Physiological values such as rectal temperature, respiration rate, and pulse rate were significantly different (P<0.05) between the summer and winter seasons, being higher in summer. Similarly, relative humidity and temperature-humidity index (THI) values also differed significantly, with THI values higher at all times of day (morning, noon, and afternoon) during the summer, indicating that Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pigs experienced thermal stress during the hotter months. Behavioural patterns such as time spent standing, sleeping, roaming, and lying also varied significantly (P<0.05) between the seasons. Additionally, the frequencies of urination, defecation, fighting, eating, and drinking were significantly different (P<0.05) between summer and winter. Conclusion: It can be concluded that breed-specific physiological and behavioural responses to seasonal change need to be established to optimize the rearing management of Ghungroo and LWY piglets. Implementation of appropriate environmental modifications and management practices based on seasonal needs can optimize welfare and productivity results in both breeds, particularly in regions where seasonal temperature fluctuation is high. Further investigation of nutritional and housing interventions based on each breed's particular seasonal needs may result in more sustainable and productive pig rearing.