Effects of straw bedding and high fibre diets on the behaviour of floor fed group-housed sows (1999)

Whittaker, X., Edwards, S. A., Spoolder, H. A. M. et al.

Abstract

Providing sows with a foraging substrate, such as straw, appeared to be instrumental in reducing excessive levels of pen component directed behaviour. .. Although providing sows with straw increased the level of foraging behaviour performed, its is assumed that a switch from chewing pen fittings to manipulating straws in a complex and variable way, represents an improvement in welfare.