Environmental Enrichment of PigsEmma Fàbrega i Romans Pigs have a strong motivation to explore and root. In conventional pig husbandry systems, this need is difficult to fulfil, unless adequate enrichment materials are provided. This book summarises how enrichment strategies for pigs have evolved over the last few decades in different countries and provides a vast array of possibilities to enhance the exploratory needs of pigs. The role of enrichment material on avoidance of tail biting outbreaks or as an element triggering positive emotions in pigs is also discussed. |
Common terms and phrases
accessed on 28 aggression analysis Appl assess Available online Behav Behavioural observations Bite-Rite chains chewable compared cortisol CrossRef directed behaviour domestic pigs ear movement frequency effective enrichment enrichment for pigs enrichment materials enrichment objects enrichment treatments environment environmental enrichment escalation in tail European Commission European Parliament European Union exploratory behaviour farm animal welfare feed feed conversion ratio finishing pigs focal garlic gestation growing pigs hanging tails higher housing systems increased indicators intact tails investigate legislation lesion scores p-Value paper treatment pen level performed period Pig Directive pig welfare piglets pigs interacted pigs with intact PubMed rack rearing risk Rooting Cones routine tail docking sampling SAS Institute significantly slatted floors social status Table tail biting outbreak tail damage tail lesions tail movement duration tail movement frequency tail posture tail wounds tail-biting Teagasc types of enrichment weaner weaning weeks Weerd wood wooden logs