Effects of mixing unfamiliar individuals and of azaperone on the social behaviour of finishing pigs (1990)

Tan, S. S. L., Shackleton, D. M.

Abstract

Mixing unfamiliar pigs with each other is a common practice in both commercial swine and research operations to create economical units or experimental treatments. The typical consequence of mixing is an increase in fighting. .. Barring death, injury or illness, the losses in productivity from mixing pigs should be sufficient to discourage producers from this practice, and it should also be considered an important factor in research studies requiring pigs to be mixed. .. Unfortunately, the tranquilizer azaperone [Stresnil] does not alleviate the long-term behavioural and production problems caused by mixing.