Pig

Provision point-source materials stimulates play in sows but does not affect aggression at regrouping

When sows are mixed into groups, hierarchies form and resulting aggression and stress can affect production and welfare. This study determined the effect of providing point-source materials on aggressive and play behaviors in gestating sows. Large white cross Landrace sows...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Greenwood, E. C., van Wettere, W. H. E. J., Rayner, J. et al. 2019. Provision point-source materials stimulates play in sows but does not affect aggression at regrouping. Animals 9(1), 8.

Effect of different environment enrichments on behaviour and social interactions in growing pigs

Background: Pigs are active animals that require a suitable environment to be able to express their exploratory behaviour. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different environmental enrichments on the behaviour, social interactions, salivary cortisol...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Giuliotti, L., Benvenuti, M. N., Giannarelli, A. et al. 2019. Effect of different environment enrichments on behaviour and social interactions in growing pigs. Animals 9(3), 101.

Growing pigs’ interest in enrichment objects with different characteristics and cleanliness

Enrichment objects can be a practical way to provide rooting and chewing material to growing pigs, on which they can express species-specific behaviors. The challenge is to provide enrichment objects that will satisfy pigs' behavioral needs, while being practical and...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Beaudoin, J.-M., Bergeron, R., Devillers, N. et al. 2019. Growing pigs' interest in enrichment objects with different characteristics and cleanliness. Animals 9(3), 85.

The use of garlic oil for olfactory enrichment increases the use of ropes in weaned pigs

Pig producers are required to provide environmental enrichment to provide pigs the opportunity to perform investigative and manipulative behaviours (EU directive 2001/93/EC). Preventing enrichment from losing its novelty and decreasing the rate at which animals become habituated is important to...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Blackie, N., de Sousa, M. 2019. The use of garlic oil for olfactory enrichment increases the use of ropes in weaned pigs. Animals 9(4), 148.

Rearing undocked pigs on fully slatted floors using multiple types and variations of enrichment

In fully slatted systems, tail biting is difficult to manage when pigs' tails are not docked because loose enrichment material can obstruct slurry systems. This pilot study sought to determine: a) whether intact-tailed pigs can be reared with a manageable...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Chou, J.-Y., Drique, C. M. V., Sandercock, D. A. et al. 2019. Rearing undocked pigs on fully slatted floors using multiple types and variations of enrichment. Animals 9(4), 139.

Efforts to ban the routine tail docking of pigs and to give pigs enrichment materials via EU Law: Where do we stand a quarter of a century on?

In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the European Commission must ensure that Member States enforce EU law within their territories. If adequate enforcement is found to be wanting, the Commission also has the power to take infringement procedures...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Regulations & Ethical ReviewAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Nalon, E., De Briyne, N. 2019. Efforts to ban the routine tail docking of pigs and to give pigs enrichment materials via EU Law: Where do we stand a quarter of a century on? Animals 9(4), 132.

Long term benefits on social behaviour after early life socialization of piglets

Early life socialization of piglets has been shown to reduce piglet aggression at weaning, but information on sow health and long-term benefits is lacking. We aimed to assess how socialization impacts sow udder quality and long-term pig behaviour and growth....

Year Published: 2018Topics: Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Camerlink, I., Farish, M., D'Eath, R. B. et al. 2018. Long term benefits on social behaviour after early life socialization of piglets. Animals 8(11), 192.

The efficacy of novel rope flavours as environmental enrichment for stalled gilts

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of flavoured ropes as environmental enrichment for individually housed pigs (Sus scrofa). A 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design was utilised to evaluate the effects of four rope flavour...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Colpoys, J. D., Johnson, A. K., Gabler, N. K. 2018. The efficacy of novel rope flavours as environmental enrichment for stalled gilts. Animal Welfare 27(4), 351-356.

Behavioral preference for different enrichment objects in a commercial sow herd

Increased public concern about farm animal welfare is driving both legislative initiatives and market forces to change how sows are housed and managed. This study investigated the use and preference for enrichment items at a 5600 sows commercial sow farm...

Year Published: 2016Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Horback, K. M., Pierdon, M. K., Parsons, T. D. 2016. Behavioral preference for different enrichment objects in a commercial sow herd. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 184, 7-15.

Effects of different enrichment devices on some welfare indicators of post-weaned undocked piglets

Two experimental trials were carried out in order to test the effectiveness of different environmental enrichments in improving the welfare of weaned pigs. A total of 120 undocked piglets was used. In trial one, group C1 received a metal chain...

Year Published: 2016Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Nannoni, E., Sardi, L., Vitali, M. et al. 2016. Effects of different enrichment devices on some welfare indicators of post-weaned undocked piglets. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 184, 25-34.