Pen shape and size: effects on pig behavior and performance (1994)

Wiegand, R. M., Gonyou, H. W., Curtis, S. E.

Abstract

The effect of pen size and pen shape on the behaviour of group-housed pigs was studied. Pen size had a significant effect on both behavioral and spacing indices. Pigs in small pens spent more time standing and tended to have higher scores or agonistic interactions. The significant pen-shape effect found in this study suggest certain properties of pen shape are influencing the animals' perception of space quality. One property that varies with pen shape is the amount of pen wall available to the animals.