Livestock rearing methods, livestock barns, and their use

Abstract

We offer a range of livestock management systems to improve animal welfare for livestock. [Solution] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for raising livestock in a livestock barn 100 includes: 1) an individual rearing area 10 in which livestock are reared with their behavior regulated on an individual basis; and 2) a group rearing area 20 in which livestock can be reared in groups of multiple animals. The livestock are divided into multiple groups, and each group is sequentially reared in the group rearing area 20 for a period of time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a livestock rearing method, a livestock barn, a method for producing a livestock barn, and the like. Background Art

[0002] A single gestation stall for pregnant pigs is a facility for rearing pregnant pigs in a pen measuring approximately 2.0×0.6 m. Single stalls have many advantages in terms of rearing efficiency per area, facility cost, and workability, and are therefore currently used by many pig farmers in Japan.

[0003] However, pigs originally form groups of several female individuals and have a habit of exploring the surrounding ground to search for food. Therefore, rearing pregnant pigs in single stalls inhibits the expression of normal behaviors such as exploratory behavior and social behavior, thereby causing chronic stress. It has been reported that such stress reactions appear as an increase in abnormal behaviors (such as sham chewing and bar biting) throughout the gestation period and an increase in blood cortisol concentration, which is known as a stress indicator, and that the immune function of sows is reduced compared to a group housing environment.

[0004] From the perspective of improving animal welfare, rearing pregnant pigs in single gestation stalls is regarded as a particular problem in the pig farming industry, and regulation of gestation stalls (single stalls for pregnant pigs) and a shift to group rearing systems are progressing, mainly in Europe and the United States. Even in Japan, in 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries published a guideline positioning group rearing of pregnant pigs as a "recommended measure for future implementation", and the need for responses involving changes to pregnant pig rearing systems is increasing at domestic production sites as well.

[0005] One representative group rearing system is the Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF) system using ear tags and automatic feeding stations. In this system, a reared group consists of 20 to 80 pigs, and individual identification by ear tags enables precise feeding amount management according to the parity and body condition of each individual.

[0006] Furthermore, a group housing system using free-access stalls (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1) involves housing a group of 20 to 40 pigs in a pen consisting of a stall with a door that opens and closes semi-automatically, and an adjacent free area. Pregnant sows can freely choose where to stay within the free area and the stall area, and can also use the stall area as a place to escape from aggressive behavior that is unavoidable in a group housing environment. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Rioja-Lang et al. 2013, The effect of pen design on free space utilization of sows group housed in gestation pens equipped with free access stalls, Applied Animal Behavior Science, Vol.148(1-2), 93-98, https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.applanim.2013.07.002 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The aforementioned group rearing system has economic disadvantages compared to conventional single-stall systems, including high initial costs for implementation (such as constructing new barns or making major renovations) and a reduction in the number of pigs that can be raised per unit area. Therefore, at present, it is not a viable option for most pig farmers in Japan.

[0009] In addition, in the aforementioned ESF system, hostile behavior occurs when determining social hierarchy when the group structure changes, and when competing for the order of using feeding stations, causing individuals with lower social ranks to suffer chronic social stress.

[0010] In addition, in a group rearing system using free-access stalls, stalls can be used as places to escape from aggressive behavior and as feeding areas, but since the location of the stall used by each individual is not fixed, it is difficult to perform precise feeding management based on individual information.

[0011] Furthermore, similar to the situation with single-stall housing for pregnant sows, there is a real need for alternative animal welfare management systems, such as tie-stall housing for cattle.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems and aims to provide, for example, a new option for a livestock management system that can be introduced in Japan to improve the animal welfare of livestock. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and includes the following: (1) A method of raising livestock in a barn, wherein the barn is equipped with 1) an individual rearing area where the behavior of each livestock is regulated, and 2) a group rearing area where multiple livestock can be reared together, and the method of raising livestock is to divide the livestock into multiple groups and to provide a period in which each group is reared sequentially using the group rearing area. (2) A method for manufacturing a livestock barn, comprising: an individual rearing area for raising livestock with their behavior regulated on an individual basis; a group rearing area for raising multiple livestock; and a passage connecting the individual rearing area and the group rearing area, the method comprising the step of converting a part of the individual rearing area into the group rearing area in a livestock barn equipped with an individual rearing area. (3) A livestock barn comprising: an individual rearing area for raising livestock with their behavior regulated on an individual basis; a group rearing area for raising livestock in groups of multiple animals; and a passageway connecting the individual rearing area and the group rearing area, wherein the ratio of the area of ​​the group rearing area to the total area of ​​the individual rearing area and the group rearing area is within the range of 10% to 25%. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a new option for livestock management systems that improve the animal welfare of livestock. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a livestock barn, its manufacturing method, and a method of raising livestock according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] [1. Structure of livestock barns and their manufacturing methods] (overview) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a livestock barn 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The livestock barn 100 has a structure as a livestock rearing unit, comprising a single rearing area 10 for livestock, a group rearing area 20 for livestock, and a passageway 30. In the livestock barn 100, the single rearing area 10, the group rearing area 20, and the passageway 30 are located under the same roof. In Figure 1, a pigsty (particularly a pigsty for pregnant sows) is shown as an example of the livestock barn 100, but as will be described later, it is not limited to this. Furthermore, there may be only one livestock rearing unit consisting of a single rearing area 10, a group rearing area 20, and a passageway 30, or there may be multiple such units within the livestock barn 100.

[0017] (Individual enclosure area) The individual rearing area 10 is an area for rearing livestock (pigs 40) by restricting the behavior of each individual. In one example of the individual rearing area 10, a plurality of fences 11 are provided at fixed intervals in the direction in which the passage 30 extends (referred to as the row direction), and one pig 40 is reared in a compartment (stall) partitioned by a pair of adjacent fences 11, 11. In FIG. 1, the individual rearing area 10 is constituted by a total of 28 stalls (16 on the left side and 12 on the right side) provided on the left and right sides across the passage 30. A door (not shown) that is opened and closed by human control or mechanical control is provided on the passage 30 side of each stall. That is, each stall is not a stall (such as a free access stall) that allows the door to be opened and closed at the will of the pig 40. On the opposite side of the passage 30 from each stall, a hopper serving as a feeder (not shown) is provided, which enables feeding management on a stall-by-stall basis.

[0018] (Group Rearing Area) The group rearing area 20 is an area having a size capable of rearing a plurality of livestock (pigs 40) together. In the group rearing area 20, the behavior of the pigs 40 is not restricted, and the pigs can move around freely within the area. In the livestock barn 100, as will be described later, the group rearing area 20 can also be secured by renovating an existing stall barn. Specifically, for example, by removing a part of the fences 11 provided on the right side across the passage 30 near the center in the row direction, an area corresponding to four stalls is converted into the group rearing area 20. This makes it relatively easy for the pigs 40 to access the group rearing area 20 from any stall.

[0019] (Passage) The passage 30 connects each stall constituting the individual rearing area 10 to the group rearing area 20. When the stall door is opened, livestock (pigs 40) can freely move back and forth between the stall and the group rearing area 20 through the passage 30. Doors (not shown) are provided at both ends of the passage 30, and can be opened and closed by human control or mechanical control. The opening and closing of the door of the passage 30 cannot be performed at the will of the pig 40.

[0020] When renovating an existing stall barn to construct the barn 100, the existing aisle 30 of the existing stall barn can be used as-is. In this case, the width of the aisle 30 is relatively narrow, for example, it falls within the range of not less than "about the shoulder width of a human (about 40 to 50 cm)" and not more than "about the body width of a livestock", or within the range of not less than "about the shoulder width of a human (about 40 to 50 cm)" and not more than "about (0.7 or 0.8) times the body width of a livestock". When the existing stall barn is a stall barn for pregnant sows, the width of the aisle 30 is specifically, for example, within the range of 70 cm or more and 100 cm or less.

[0021] (Area Ratio of Single Rearing Area to Group Rearing Area) The ratio of the area of the group rearing area 20 to the total area of the single rearing area 10 and the group rearing area 20 (referred to as the "group rearing area ratio") is not particularly limited. In a typical example, the upper limit of the group rearing area ratio is less than 50%, 40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less, 25% or less, 20% or less, or 15% or less. In a typical example, the lower limit of the group rearing area ratio is 5% or more, 10% or more, or 20% or more. However, the relationship of "upper limit of group rearing area ratio ≥ lower limit of group rearing area ratio" is satisfied. A preferred example of the group rearing area ratio falls within the range of 10% or more and 25% or less. In the barn 100 shown in FIG. 1, the group rearing area ratio is 12.5%.

[0022] (Modified Configuration of Barn etc.) In the barn 100 shown in FIG. 1, only one group rearing area 20 is provided within a livestock rearing unit, but a plurality of group rearing areas can also be provided.

[0023] A door or the like partitioning the group rearing area 20 and the aisle 30 may be provided to prevent a group of pigs 40 (livestock) that are in the rearing period using the group rearing area 20 from going out to the aisle 30 during said period. This door can be opened and closed by human control or mechanical control, but cannot be opened or closed according to the will of the pigs 40.

[0024] The barn 100 shown in Figure 1 is a barn (pig barn) for pigs 40, and is particularly a pig barn for pregnant sows equipped with gestation stalls. In a modified configuration according to this embodiment, the barn 100 may be, for example, a barn (cattle barn) for cattle. The cattle may be dairy cows or beef cattle (including crossbred cattle). In a cattle barn, an area corresponding to the single-cattle rearing area 10 is a tie-stall barn. In the single-cattle rearing area of ​​a tie-stall barn, the movement of each individual cattle is restricted and reared using, for example, stanchions, or barn poles and chains or ropes. As in the case shown in Figure 1, in the area where cattle are reared in a tie-stall arrangement, stalls are generally provided to partition the space for each individual cattle. In a cattle barn, the area corresponding to the group rearing area 20 is, as in the case shown in Figure 1, an area large enough to house multiple cattle.

[0025] (Method of manufacturing livestock barns (construction method)) A method for manufacturing a livestock barn according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a livestock barn comprising the above-mentioned single-seat rearing area, group rearing area, and passage connecting the single-seat rearing area and the group rearing area, and the method includes a step of converting a part of the single-seat rearing area into a group rearing area in a livestock barn equipped with a single-seat rearing area. This method has the advantage of being able to be introduced at low cost without requiring, for example, the construction of a new livestock barn or large-scale renovation.

[0026] The following will provide a more detailed explanation based on Figure 1. The livestock shed 200 shown on the left side of Figure 1 is an existing stall pig barn, and is generally composed of one aisle and multiple stalls arranged on both sides of the aisle. The livestock shed 100 shown on the right side of Figure 1 is a group rearing area 20 that was created by renovating the existing livestock shed 200. Specifically, by removing a portion of the fence 11 located to the right of the aisle 30, near the center in the row direction, an area equivalent to four stalls is converted into the group rearing area 20. The feeders (hoppers) corresponding to the stalls converted into the group rearing area 20 may, for example, be removed or their use discontinued. Alternatively, if feeding is also performed in the group rearing area 20, these feeders may be used.

[0027] Furthermore, the single-species housing areas that are converted into group housing areas are, for example, less than 50% of the total single-species housing areas, 40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less, 25% or less, 20% or less, or 15% or less. In a typical example, the single-species housing areas converted into group housing areas are, for example, 5% or more of the total single-species housing areas, 10% or more, or 20% or more. In a preferred example, the single-species housing areas converted into group housing areas are within the range of 10% or more and 25% or less of the total single-species housing areas.

[0028] [2. Livestock Rearing Methods] (overview) A method of raising livestock according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a livestock barn having a livestock rearing unit that includes an individual rearing area and a group rearing area. One of its features is that the livestock raised within the same rearing unit are divided into multiple groups, and each group is sequentially reared in the group rearing area for a period (sometimes referred to as the "small-scale group rearing period"). The small-scale group rearing period can take two forms: 1) a form in which livestock belonging to a selected group are raised in a state where they can move between the individual rearing area and the group rearing area (referred to as the "period of inter-area movement"), and 2) a form in which livestock belonging to a selected group are raised in a state where they are kept only in the group rearing area. The small-scale group rearing period is a period in which restrictions on the behavior of livestock in the individual rearing area are temporarily lifted, allowing them to move between the individual rearing area and the group rearing area (or within the group rearing area). Outside of the small-scale group rearing period, livestock are raised in the individual rearing area with their individual behavior restricted. That is, if one group of livestock is in the small-scale group rearing period, the remaining group of livestock is outside of the small-scale group rearing period. Then, by sequentially changing the groups of livestock within the small-group rearing period, all groups of livestock are reared in a predetermined cycle, alternating between the small-group rearing period and the period in which they are reared in individual rearing areas with their behavior regulated on an individual basis.

[0029] This breeding method offers the following advantages, for example: 1) Providing livestock with regular opportunities for group rearing (i.e., opportunities for normal behavioral expression) can reduce the behavioral restriction stress caused by rearing in solitary housing areas. 2) Compared to conventional group rearing systems, the required area of ​​the group rearing area can be reduced relative to the total number of livestock reared in a single rearing unit, thus minimizing the decrease in rearing efficiency caused by the introduction of group rearing. 3) As will be discussed later, if livestock are fed only within individual stalls, it is possible to minimize the conflict over feed that occurs in group rearing while maintaining the ease of individual management. 4) Compared to conventional group rearing systems, the smaller group size in group rearing can reduce the social stress experienced by individuals with lower social ranks.

[0030] In conventional group housing systems for pregnant sows using free-access stalls, the proportion of time pregnant sows spend utilizing the free area throughout their gestation period is not very large. Therefore, the housing method proposed in one embodiment of the present invention can certainly be one option for a livestock management system that improves animal welfare.

[0031] The following will explain this rearing method in more detail based on the livestock shed 100 shown in Figure 1. The livestock shed 100 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with 1) a single rearing area 10 in which livestock (pigs 40) are reared with their behavior regulated individually, and 2) a group rearing area 20 in which livestock (pigs 40) can be reared in groups of multiple animals. The structure of the livestock shed 100 is as described above in [1. Structure of the livestock shed and its manufacturing method].

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the pigs 40 raised within a livestock rearing unit consisting of a single rearing area 10, a group rearing area 20, and a passageway 30 are divided into seven groups, Group A to Group G. In this example, each group consists of four pigs, and the group rearing area 20 is large enough to accommodate a maximum of four pigs.

[0033] In barn 100, feeding will be carried out in stalls as before. After feeding is complete, the stall doors for the 40 pigs belonging to Group A will be left open, allowing them to move freely between the single-seat area 10 (stalls for Group A) and the group-seat area 20. The remaining 40 pigs belonging to the six groups (Groups B to G) will be kept in the single-seat area 10 (stalls for each group). In other words, the 40 pigs belonging to Group A are within the period during which inter-area movement is permitted, while the 40 pigs belonging to the remaining groups are outside the period during which inter-area movement is permitted.

[0034] Next, after feeding is complete, the stall doors for the 40 pigs belonging to Group B are left open, allowing them to move freely between the single-seat area 10 and the group-seat area 20. The remaining 6 groups of pigs (40 pigs) are kept in the single-seat area 10. Similarly, for the pigs belonging to Groups C through G, after feeding is complete, the stall doors for the pigs belonging to the respective groups are left open, allowing them to move freely between the single-seat area 10 and the group-seat area 20. In this way, using the same group-seat area 20, the pigs are raised in the order of Group A → Group B → Group C → Group D → Group E → Group F → Group G → and then back to Group A, with periods of inter-area movement permitted.

[0035] In one example, the period during which each group A to G can move between areas is one day. In this case, with one week (7 days) as one cycle, all 40 pigs belonging to any group are given a period of one consecutive day during which they can move between areas, and a period of six consecutive days during which they are kept in a single rearing area 10.

[0036] The duration of a single inter-area travel is not limited to a continuous day or the like. The duration of a single inter-area travel is not particularly limited, but for example, it could be within the range of 10 to 36 hours, 10 to 30 hours, 10 to 24 hours, or 12 to 24 hours.

[0037] Similarly, the number of pigs 40 constituting one group, and the total number of pigs 40 raised in one rearing unit, are not limited to those exemplified. However, from the viewpoint of ease of management, the number of pigs 40 constituting one group is preferably in the range of 2 to 10, preferably in the range of 3, 4 or 5 to 10, and preferably in the range of 3, 4 or 5 to 9, 8, 7 or 6. The area of ​​the group rearing area 20 can be determined according to the number of pigs constituting each group; for example, the area corresponding to the number of stalls for the number of pigs constituting the group can be designated as the group rearing area 20. Similarly, from the viewpoint of ease of management, the total number of pigs 40 raised in one rearing unit is, for example, in the range of 20 to 100. Then, these total number of pigs 40 are divided into groups of, for example, 3 to 15 (preferably 4 to 7, or 5 to 10), and the above rearing management is carried out.

[0038] In a typical pig flow in pig farming, fertile sows are raised by moving between mating / pregnancy barns and farrowing barns until they give birth 6 to 7 times. In the mating / pregnancy barn, sows are raised from mating (mainly artificial insemination) through pregnancy to just before giving birth. The estrus return period is generally 5 days, and the gestation period (average) is 114 days. In the farrowing barn, sows are raised from giving birth until the lactation / nursing period (generally 3 to 4 weeks). The rearing method described above is not particularly limited, but it is especially suitable for raising pregnant sows in the mating / pregnancy barn.

[0039] This rearing method has been explained in detail based on pigs (40), but it can be similarly applied to cattle by substituting cattle for pigs. In the case of cattle, this rearing method is not applied in relation to breeding, but typically applies when cattle need to be kept in a tethered barn for a certain period of time. More specifically, it applies when grazing is not possible for an extended period due to reasons such as heavy snowfall. Furthermore, although the explanation mainly focused on cases where livestock are fed only within individual rearing areas (stalls), it is also possible to feed livestock in group rearing areas as well. In addition, regarding the "small-scale group rearing period" mentioned above, the explanation mainly focused on the first form, "period during which movement between areas is possible," but it is also possible to define it as the second form, a period during which livestock are kept only in a group rearing area. When adopting the second form, it can be applied by appropriately substituting "period during which movement between areas is possible" in the above section [2. Livestock Rearing Method] with "small-scale group rearing period (especially the period during which livestock are kept only in a group rearing area)."

[0040] [3. Summary] 1) A method of raising livestock in a barn, wherein the barn is equipped with individual rearing areas where the behavior of each livestock is regulated, and group rearing areas where multiple livestock can be reared together, and the method involves dividing the livestock into multiple groups and providing a period in which each group is reared sequentially in the group rearing areas. 2) The above period for rearing using a group rearing area is the period during which the animals are reared in a state where they can move between the single rearing area and the group rearing area, as described in 1). 3) The above-mentioned individual rearing area is a stall area used to regulate the behavior of livestock, as described in 1) of the rearing method. 4) The livestock mentioned above are pregnant sows, and are raised according to any of the methods described in 1) to 3). 5) Each of the above groups consists of two or more livestock and no more than ten animals, and is raised using one of the methods described in 1) to 4). 6) Rearing in a group rearing area, the above period is 10 hours or more and 36 hours or less, as described in any of 1) to 5). 7) A method for manufacturing a livestock barn, comprising: an individual rearing area for raising livestock with their behavior regulated on an individual basis; a group rearing area for raising multiple livestock; and a passage connecting the individual rearing area and the group rearing area, the method comprising the step of converting a portion of the individual rearing area into the group rearing area in a livestock barn equipped with an individual rearing area. 8) A livestock barn comprising: an individual rearing area for raising livestock with their behavior regulated on an individual basis; a group rearing area for raising livestock in groups of multiple animals; and a passageway connecting the individual rearing area and the group rearing area, wherein the ratio of the area of ​​the group rearing area to the total area of ​​the individual rearing area and the group rearing area is between 10% and 25%. 9) The livestock shed described in 8) which is manufactured by the method for manufacturing livestock sheds described in 7) above.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Examples]

[0042] Examples of the present invention are described below.

[0043] (1) Reference Example 1 <About the pig pens> The pig pen used in this embodiment has a total plan size of 290 cm (short side) x 490 cm (long side), and contains six stalls and a free area. Each stall has a plan size of 172 cm (long side) x 66 cm (short side), with one end facing the long side of the pig pen, and the stalls are adjacent to each other along the direction of extension of the long side of the pig pen. Feeding via a feed trough and watering via a water dispenser are possible from one end of each stall. A door is provided at the other end of each stall, and this door connects to the free area.

[0044] <Regarding routine group feeding treatments> As test animals, we used LW breed breeding sows of 2-6 parity who were determined to be pregnant by pregnancy testing conducted 4-5 weeks after artificial insemination. Three sows were kept simultaneously in the aforementioned pens, and a regular group rearing system was implemented for 10 weeks, alternating between a 6-day "stall rearing period" and a 1-day "group rearing period" (roughly corresponding to the 10 weeks from the 6th to the 15th week of pregnancy (farting)). During the "stall rearing period," the three sows were housed in three stalls that were spaced apart (not adjacent to each other). During the "group rearing period," the doors of the three stalls used in the "stall rearing period" were opened, allowing the three sows to move freely between the three open stalls (where they could drink water and rest) and the free area. The "group rearing period" lasted from the completion of feeding around 9:30 a.m. on the day until just before the start of feeding at 9:00 a.m. the following day, and feeding itself was conducted inside the stalls before and after the "group rearing period." In addition, at 9:00 AM, simultaneously with feeding, we carried out manure removal work inside the pig pens, and after the manure removal was completed, we spread sawdust about 5 mm thick in the free area.

[0045] <About behavioral observation> Behavioral observations of sows were conducted on the day following the "group rearing period" in weeks 1, 6, and 10 of the experiment. Observation times were set for 90 minutes in total, from 0 to 15 minutes past the hour (11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00), avoiding the influence of management tasks such as feeding and cleaning during the daytime, which is the main time of activity. The ethograms used for behavioral observation are shown in Table 1 below. Postural indicators were recorded by scan sampling at 1-minute intervals at 00 seconds per minute, and behavioral indicators were recorded by one-zero sampling with observation units from 00 seconds to 59 seconds per minute. [Table 1]

[0046] In Reference Example 1, the above experiment, which is performed in units of three pigs, was carried out independently in 5 sets. Therefore, a total of 15 sows (N=15) underwent both the <regular group feeding treatment> and <behavioral observation>.

[0047] (2) Control Example 1 In Reference Example 1 described above, instead of performing the <regular group rearing treatment>, the <stall rearing treatment> was performed, and <behavioral observation> was conducted in the same manner as in Reference Example 1. The <stall rearing treatment> involves housing three sows that are reared simultaneously in the aforementioned pen in three separate stalls (not adjacent to each other) at all times. In other words, the conditions are the same as in Reference Example 1, except that there is no "group rearing period". In Control Example 1, the above experiment, which is performed in units of three sows, was also carried out independently in 5 sets, so the total number of sows used in the test was 15 (N=15).

[0048] <Regarding the results> Table 2 below summarizes the breeding results for Reference Example 1 (referred to as "Regular Group Feeding Area" in the table) and Control Example 1 (referred to as "Stall Area" in the table). In particular, the number of stillbirths was found to be significantly lower in Reference Example 1. [Table 2]

[0049] Table 3 below summarizes the results of postural indicators observed in behavioral observations for Reference Example 1 (referred to as "Regular Group Feeding Group" in the table) and Control Example 1 (referred to as "Stall Group" in the table). In particular, the proportion of time spent standing tended to be longer in the Stall Group, while the proportion of time spent lying on one's side was significantly longer in the Regular Group Feeding Group. [Table 3]

[0050] Table 4 below summarizes some of the results of behavioral indicators observed in behavioral observations for Reference Example 1 (referred to as "Regular Group Feeding Area" in the table) and Control Example 1 (referred to as "Stall Area" in the table). The significantly lower proportion of drinking time in the "Regular Group Feeding Area" suggests that the motivation for manipulating objects with the mouth was being met. [Table 4]

[0051] Table 5 summarizes the remaining results of behavioral indicators from behavioral observations for Reference Example 1 (referred to as "Regular Group Feeding Area" in the table) and Control Example 1 (referred to as "Stall Area" in the table). Neither result can be said to show a statistically significant difference between the "Regular Group Feeding Area" and the "Stall Area." However, the fact that exploratory behavior and abnormal oral behavior are also motivated by the need to feed is a factor that should be considered when evaluating these pregnant sows, whose feeding needs are enhanced under restricted feeding management. [Table 5] [Industrial applicability]

[0052] This invention can be used, for example, in the field of livestock farming. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 10 Individual enclosure areas (stalls) 20 Group Rearing Area 30 aisles 100, 200 livestock barns

Claims

1. A method of raising livestock in a barn, The above-mentioned livestock shed includes: 1) an individual housing area where livestock are raised with their behavior regulated for each individual; and 2) a group housing area where livestock can be raised in groups of multiple animals. A method of raising livestock in which the above-mentioned livestock are divided into multiple groups, and each group is sequentially raised in a designated group rearing area for a set period.

2. The rearing method according to claim 1, wherein the period during which rearing is carried out using a group rearing area is a period during which rearing is carried out in a state in which the animals can move between the single rearing area and the group rearing area.

3. The method of livestock rearing according to claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned individual rearing area is a stall area used to regulate the behavior of livestock.

4. The livestock described above is a pregnant sow, according to claim 3.

5. The livestock rearing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the above groups consists of two or more and no more than ten livestock.

6. The rearing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the period of rearing using a group rearing area is 10 hours or more and 36 hours or less.

7. There are individual housing areas where livestock are raised with their behavior regulated for each individual, There are areas for raising livestock in groups of multiple animals, A method for manufacturing a livestock barn, comprising a passage connecting the above-mentioned single-seat rearing area and the above-mentioned group rearing area, A manufacturing method comprising the step of converting a portion of a single-seat rearing area in a livestock barn into a group rearing area.

8. There are individual housing areas where livestock are raised with their behavior regulated for each individual, There are areas for raising livestock in groups of multiple animals, The system includes a passageway connecting the above-mentioned single-breeding area and the above-mentioned group-breeding area, The ratio of the area of ​​the group rearing area to the total area of ​​the individual rearing area and the group rearing area is within the range of 10% to 25%. Livestock barn.

9. A livestock shed according to claim 8, manufactured by the method for manufacturing a livestock shed according to claim 7.

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