Effects of species-relevant environmental enrichment on the behaviour and productivity of finishing pigs (2006)

Van de Weerd, H. A., Docking, C. M., Day, J. E. L. et al.

Abstract

Three different enrichment objects were provided to groups of growing pigs: a substrate dispenser providing straw, a rootable feed dispenser providing flavoured feed and a liquid dispenser that provided flavoured water when chewable rods were manipulated. These objects were compared with a pen with a full bed of straw (positive control) and a commercial enrichment object, a Bite Rite. The extent to which the straw and straw rack were used was significantly greater than for the other treatments. Groups provided with the liquid dispenser and Bite Rite had the highest prevalence of tail biting incidents. This study shows that a full bed of straw was the most successful way of occupying the pigs and, in addition, it prevented severe tail biting.