Handbook of Laboratory Animal Management and Welfare (1994)

Wolfenshohn, S. , Lloyd, M.

Abstract

Environmental enrichment caters for the behavioural needs of the animals, and improves their health and welfare as much as any other environmental factor. The provision of play articles or bedding may be a simple way to achieve environmental enrichment, allowing the expression of normal behaviour, and improving the welfare of the animals. ... Pigs form stable groups, but there is a tendency to fight if unfamiliar animals are placed together. Tail-biting and navel sucking are common results of mixing, particularly if done in confined spaces. To reduce this, pigs should be mixed on neutral territory at feeding time or at dusk. ... Pigs are intelligent, and will rapidly become bored with a sterile, uninteresting environment. Stereotypic behaviour patters such as bar-biting will then be seen. Group housing, toys such as chains, plastic bottles, and boxes, and bedding to root in all add to environmental enrichment and reduce stereotypy. With sufficient space pigs will dung only in the coolest and wettest area, so just this area needs to be cleaned daily.