Environmental enrichment for pigs (2007)

LAREF [Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum]

Abstract

Within the given constraints of single-housing, straw provides optimal species-appropriate enrichment of which pigs do not get bored, because it allows them to engage in rooting, foraging, chewing and playing. Toys are best suspended with chains so that they do not get in contact with the manure. Given the strong social disposition of pigs, human companionship is probably the most appreciated form of environmental enrichment for the singly housed animal.Regular interaction with friendly personnel or permanent visual and auditory contact with another pig living in the same room are good compromise solutions to address the need for companionship of pigs, who have to be single-caged for research reasons. (see 5.9 The Lone Pig--Addressing his or her social needs . 110-111)