Marginal Environmental During Rearing On Pigs’ Reactions

This study examined the effect of slight housing enrichment during rearing on the reactions of pigs to different situations. Pigs who were reared in marginally enriched housing spent more time playing with a novel object, were more active during weighing, and showed fewer signs of aggression than pigs reared in barren conditions. The authors concluded that pigs reared in barren conditions show impaired cognitive abilities, and that even marginal enrichment of housing conditions can result in better animal welfare.

Excerpt from Article Abstract:
“The rearing environment of farmed animals can affect their behaviour when handled, and therefore needs to be taken into account when selecting for traits such as docility. Therefore, 126 German Landrace and Pietrain x German Landrace pigs were reared in two different production environments (barren (n = 47) or slightly enriched (n = 79)), both corresponding to commercial conditions.”

“The marginal enrichment included the provision of more toys, an additional feeder type, and a larger number of conspecifics, while space allowance per pig remained equal. Pigs’ responses to (a) a novel arena test (NAT), (b) a novel object test (NOT), and (c) weighing, were compared, together with the number of skin lesions (an indicator of aggressiveness).”

“Results indicate that marginal changes in the housing environment affect the behaviour of the pigs. Overall, the activity of barren housed animals seemed to be reduced, as revealed by the behaviour tests. Therefore, the housing environment must be taken into consideration carefully when evaluating the behaviour or indicator traits such as skin lesions for selection purposes in pigs. In addition, results of the present study have implications for animal welfare, showing that marginal enrichment of rearing environment leads to changes in behaviour that may partially be related to improved cognitive and/or physical development of the pigs.”