Effects of different degrees of social isolation on the behaviour of weaned piglets kept for experimental purposes (2000)

Herskin, M. S., Jensen, K. H.

Abstract

The effect of degree of isolation on the behaviour of weaned piglets was investigated using eight replicates of littermates, weaned at 4 weeks and caged for 2 weeks in metabolism chambers under varying degrees of isolation: i) fully isolated without physical contact with littermates; ii) partly isolated with limited physical contact with littermates; or iii) grouped with three littermates. ... Irrespective of degree, isolation initially increased the occurrence of behavioural indicators of stress such as the frequency ofpawing and escape attempts as well as decreasing the frequency of play. In partly isolated piglets this initial response was more active than in fully isolated piglets, indicating an increased frustration with isolation. Within 2 weeks, however, the stress response in partly isolated piglets had almost completely waned, and they showed only a decreased frequency of playbehaviour, whereas in fully isolated piglets an increased frequency of pawing as well as a more pronounced reduction of play behaviour were still evident on day 13. .. It is concluded that social isolation of newly weaned piglets is stressful. Although it may increase the initial stress response, provision of social contact with littermates, eg through wire mesh, might limit negative long-term effects of isolation in experiments where data collection requires individual housing.