Designated rooting areas to reduce pasture damage by pregnant sows

Pasture damage was significantly influenced by treatment (damaged area: 15.3, 14.4, 6.8 and 4.7 m2 for N, S, D and W, respectively; S.E.D. = 1.38, F3,17 = 6.76, P < 0.01). It appeared that rooting of pasture was performed to create a cool lying area. S sows searched for food in the rooting area, and this activity forced pen mates to lie outside the rooting area. This may have resulted in the higher level of pasture damage for S compared to D and W. Offering a cool lying place and wallowing opportunities in a designated area reduced pasture damage, but offering foraging opportunities in a restricted area did not.