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D’Alessio RM, Mc Aloon CG, Correia-Gomes C, Hanlon A, O’Driscoll K. Evaluation of a scheme to identify risks for tail biting in pigs. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305960. [PMID: 39208060 PMCID: PMC11361435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a tail-biting risk assessment scheme. The scheme consisted of trained private veterinary practitioners (assessors) applying a risk assessment tool on commercial pig farms to six pens per farm. The assessment tool included animal and non-animal-based observations which were used to determine the perceived risk of tail biting for each pen. For this study 27 farms were assessed, and a subsequent batch of pigs from each farm underwent post-mortem tail lesion scoring at the abattoir. The assessments revealed that a high percentage of pens had fully slatted flooring (92%) and mixed-sex populations (84%), with a significant proportion of pens containing pigs which were all tail docked (92%). Most pens (86%) did not allow all pigs simultaneous access to feeders. Enrichment was present in 88% of the pens, but most (46%) were supplied with only one item, and only 15% offering multiple enrichment types. The study found no significant associations between the risk of tail biting and visible injuries, dirty flanks, or tucked tails, as assessed by the assessors (P > 0.05). Similarly, the risk of tail biting reported per pen was not associated with aggressive, damaging, or exploratory behaviours (P > 0.05). At the abattoir, 96% of pigs' tails exhibited minor skin damage, with only 4% showing moderate to severe damage. Furthermore, no links were found between the scores obtained during slaughter and the risk of tail biting, as reported by the assessors (P < 0.05). Although the tool was useful in identifying several improvements that could be made at farm level in areas such as stocking density, enrichment provision and reducing tail docking, overall the results underscored the need for improved training of assessors, and the challenge of associating management practices and animal based measures with tail-biting risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Maria D’Alessio
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Conor G. Mc Aloon
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Alison Hanlon
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keelin O’Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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Zhang Y, Yu J, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Sun F, Yao Y, Bai Z, Sun H, Zhao Q, Li X. Emotional Contagion and Social Support in Pigs with the Negative Stimulus. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3160. [PMID: 37893884 PMCID: PMC10603741 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study expects to confirm the existence of emotional transmission in pigs from multiple perspectives and to provide theoretical references for improving animal welfare in livestock farming. A group that could directly observe (DO) and a group that could not directly observe (NO) were created based on whether or not their peers observed the treatment process, as the treated pig (TP) was treated with electrical shock and the companion pig (CP) either witnessed the treatment inflicted upon TP or not, and a third group was a control group, in which neither pig was stimulated. The behavioral responses of both the TPs and CPs were recorded to evaluate the emotional reaction. The results found that in both the DO and NO groups, the frequency of TP freezing was significantly higher than that of CP, and CP was significantly higher than that of the control group. Interestingly, although the social interaction responses of the CPs were not similar in the DO and NO groups, there were no significant differences between the behaviors of TPs in the DO and NO groups, except for nose-nose contact and a single approach to the partition, which allowed us to conclude that, whether or not the pigs directly observed the negative treatment, they were able to respond accordingly to fear and provide similar social support to their companions who were treated negatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Yaqian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Fang Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Yuhan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Ziyu Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Hanqing Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Qian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (F.S.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (H.S.); (Q.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Facilities, Ministry of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China
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D'Alessio RM, Hanlon A, O'Driscoll K. Comparison of single- and double-spaced feeders with regard to damaging behavior in pigs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1073401. [PMID: 36908525 PMCID: PMC9992529 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1073401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This work compared the behavior and performance of 24 groups of 12 pigs kept in pens with either a DOUBLE [one feed space aligned with the front wall of the pen (WALL), and one immediately adjacent (IN)] or SINGLE (WALL only) spaced feeder, from weaning until slaughter. Pens were equipped with a rack of fresh grass and a rubber toy (weaning phase) or a wooden board (finishing phase). Every 2 weeks, interaction with the enrichment, aggressive, harmful, and play behaviors were recorded for 5 min, four times a day. In addition, the pigs were individually assessed every 2 weeks for ear, tail, and flank injuries using a 4-point scale. The duration of feeder occupancy, feed space occupancy, number of and duration of feeding bouts, and aggressive behavior at the feeder were recorded continuously from video recordings (two times while in the weaner stage and two times while in the finisher stage, one camera/pen; 1 h per occasion). Individual body weight was recorded at weaning, transfer, and slaughter, and feed delivery was recorded daily at the pen level; from these measurements, average daily gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Data were analyzed using SAS v9.4. There was no effect of treatment on damaging behaviors. Pigs in DOUBLE had worse tail lesion scores on 6 of the 9 recording days (P < 0.001), but values rarely exceeded 1. Total feeder occupancy tended to be longer in DOUBLE than in SINGLE (P = 0.06). DOUBLE selected the IN feed space more often than WALL regarding the number of feeding bouts (P < 0.001). During feeding, pigs in DOUBLE received fewer aggressive behaviors than SINGLE (P < 0.001) and experienced fewer displacements than SINGLE (P < 0.001). Although both experimental groups had a similar weight at slaughter (P > 0.05), the FCR was lower in DOUBLE than in SINGLE (P < 0.05). These data suggest that doubling space at the feeder to two spaces/12 pigs reduced aggression and displacement behaviors at the feeder, indicating less competition for food. However, increasing feeder space was not a management strategy that could ensure reduced tail biting on commercial pig farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Maria D'Alessio
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alison Hanlon
- UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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Bučková K, Muns R, Cerón J, Kyriazakis I. Consequences of timing of organic enrichment provision on pig performance, health and stress resilience after weaning and regrouping. Animal 2022; 16:100637. [PMID: 36183434 PMCID: PMC9596380 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested fodder beet and jute bags as novel enrichment for pigs in slatted systems. We investigated if enrichment mattered more when offered at weaner or finisher stage. Weaner enrichment improved ear lesions and performance at both stages. Enrichment provision throughout reduced finisher body lesions. Fodder beet and jute bags could be feasible enrichment for pigs in slatted systems.
Most pigs in slatted systems are provided with enrichment meeting only minimum legal requirements. We aimed to explore the effects of a novel enrichment treatment consisting of daily provided fodder beet and jute bags for pigs in slatted systems, and investigate the timing of enrichment provision on performance, health and stress resilience. We used 280 weaners allocated into standard (S, meeting only legal requirements consisting of a plastic toy and softwood) or enriched (E) treatment (n = 14 groups/treatment). At regrouping during the grower to finisher transition, pigs were either kept in the same treatment (EE, SS) or switched from enriched to standard (ES) and vice versa (SE); each treatment was replicated on five groups. Pigs were weighted at the start and end of weaner, and finisher stage, and feed intake was recorded. Occurrence of scouring, respiratory problems, locomotor disorders, tail, ear, and body lesions were recorded twice a week. Ten males per treatment were sampled for saliva on days 1, 2 and 4, either postweaning or after the housing switch. Saliva samples were analysed for cortisol, alpha-amylase, haptoglobin (Hp), and adenosine deaminase. Additionally, these pigs were sampled for hair at the start and end of weaner, and end of finisher stage to analyse for hair cortisol and cortisone. We found that E weaners consumed less feed (P = 0.04), had better FCR (feed conversion ratio, P = 0.03) and less ear lesions for two weeks postweaning (P = 0.04), and tended to have lower occurrence of scouring (P = 0.07) and higher salivary cortisol concentrations (P = 0.09) than S weaners. Effects of enrichment treatment during weaner stage on performance were carried through to finisher stage, with EE and ES pigs having better FCR (P = 0.0009) and higher BW (P = 0.0001) compared to SS and SE pigs. E treatment during finisher stage decreased feed intake (P = 0.04) and tended to decrease Hp levels (P = 0.07). There was a significant interaction between enrichment treatments during weaner and finisher stages on finisher body lesions: EE finishers had less lesions than SS, ES, and SE finishers (P = 0.04). There were no other significant differences caused either by enrichment treatment during weaner/finisher stage or their interaction. We conclude that the novel enrichment applied at weaner stage had positive effects on ear lesions and performance, which were carried through to finisher stage. Body lesions were affected by its application during both stages, with finishers receiving the enrichment treatment throughout (EE) having reduced body lesions than the rest of the finishers.
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Systematic review of animal-based indicators to measure thermal, social, and immune-related stress in pigs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266524. [PMID: 35511825 PMCID: PMC9070874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The intense nature of pig production has increased the animals’ exposure to stressful conditions, which may be detrimental to their welfare and productivity. Some of the most common sources of stress in pigs are extreme thermal conditions (thermal stress), density and mixing during housing (social stress), or exposure to pathogens and other microorganisms that may challenge their immune system (immune-related stress). The stress response can be monitored based on the animals’ coping mechanisms, as a result of specific environmental, social, and health conditions. These animal-based indicators may support decision making to maintain animal welfare and productivity. The present study aimed to systematically review animal-based indicators of social, thermal, and immune-related stresses in farmed pigs, and the methods used to monitor them. Peer-reviewed scientific literature related to pig production was collected using three online search engines: ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed. The manuscripts selected were grouped based on the indicators measured during the study. According to our results, body temperature measured with a rectal thermometer was the most commonly utilized method for the evaluation of thermal stress in pigs (87.62%), as described in 144 studies. Of the 197 studies that evaluated social stress, aggressive behavior was the most frequently-used indicator (81.81%). Of the 535 publications examined regarding immune-related stress, cytokine concentration in blood samples was the most widely used indicator (80.1%). Information about the methods used to measure animal-based indicators is discussed in terms of validity, reliability, and feasibility. Additionally, the introduction and wide spreading of alternative, less invasive methods with which to measure animal-based indicators, such as cortisol in saliva, skin temperature and respiratory rate via infrared thermography, and various animal welfare threats via vocalization analysis are highlighted. The information reviewed was used to discuss the feasible and most reliable methods with which to monitor the impact of relevant stressors commonly presented by intense production systems on the welfare of farmed pigs.
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6
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Kalies A, Baumgartner J, Beyerbach M, Stanojlovic M, Scholz T, Richter F, von Altrock A, Hennig-Pauka I. Interactive Rooting Towers and Behavioural Observations as Strategies to Reduce Tail Biting on Conventional Pig Fattening Farms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113025. [PMID: 34827758 PMCID: PMC8614303 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Eight pens (25 pigs/pen; n = 200) provided with an interactive straw-filled rooting tower (experimental group) and five pens (25 pigs/pen; n = 125) with a stationary (fixed) tower without straw (control group) were compared within three fattening periods on a conventional farm with fully slatted flooring. The effectiveness of the tower to trigger favourable behaviour in feeding and outside feeding periods was assessed. The incidence of deep tail injuries was lower in the experimental group (experimental group: Odds Ratio 0.3, p < 0.001) and was influenced by the batch (Odds Ratio: 2.38, p < 0.001) but not by pen and sex. In spring, most pens were excluded due to severe tail biting. Tail injury scores were more severe in the control group in weeks 5, 6 and 7 compared to the experimental group (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Tower manipulation was more frequent during feeding compared to outside feeding time (p = 0.002). More head than tail manipulation occurred in the experimental group (p = 0.03). The interactive tower as the only measure was not appropriate to reduce tail biting sufficiently in pigs with intact tails on a conventional fattening farm. Of high priority to prevent tail biting outbreaks was the early detection of biting pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kalies
- Clinic for Swine, Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Johannes Baumgartner
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martin Beyerbach
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Milos Stanojlovic
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Tobias Scholz
- Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia, Haus Duesse 2, 59505 Bad Sassendorf, Germany;
| | - Franziska Richter
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Alexandra von Altrock
- Clinic for Swine, Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
- Correspondence: (A.v.A.); (I.H.-P.); Tel.: +49-511-953-7833 (A.v.A.); +49-511-856-7260 (I.H.-P.)
| | - Isabel Hennig-Pauka
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Foundation, Buescheler Straße 9, 49456 Bakum, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.v.A.); (I.H.-P.); Tel.: +49-511-953-7833 (A.v.A.); +49-511-856-7260 (I.H.-P.)
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7
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Do Animal Welfare Schemes Promote Better Animal Health? An Empirical Investigation of German Pork Production. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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van Staaveren N, Boyle LA, Manzanilla EG, O'Driscoll K, Shalloo L, Díaz JAC. Severe tail lesions in finisher pigs are associated with reduction in annual profit in farrow-to-finish pig farms. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e13. [PMID: 33891723 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the financial impact of different prevalence levels of severe tail lesions (STL) during the finisher stage associated with changes in average daily gain (ADG) in farrow-to-finish pig farms. METHODS Prevalence of STL was estimated for 31 farrow-to-finish pig farms. Regression tree analysis was used to identify a threshold for STL associated with differences in ADG. Then, a financial analysis was carried using the Teagasc Pig Production model. RESULTS A threshold of ≥0.86% prevalence of STL was associated with a 4.8% decrease in ADG which translated into pigs requiring 7 days more to reach target slaughter weight than in farms below the threshold. Reduced ADG meant that farms with higher prevalence of STL used 3.6% more weaner and 1.4% more finisher feed per year increasing feed costs by 1.5%. This reduced mean annual farm profit by 15.1% in farms with higher prevalence of STL. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide an indication of the financial effects of STL in intensive pig production systems. The identified threshold for the prevalence of STL could provide a tangible target for farmers to focus on in developing strategies to reduce tail lesions and allow farmers to complete a cost benefit analysis of controlling STL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke van Staaveren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Edgar García Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Laurence Shalloo
- Livestock Systems Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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Chou JY, Sandercock DA, D'Eath RB, O'Driscoll K. A High Enrichment Replenishment Rate Reduces Damaging Behaviors and Increases Growth Rate in Undocked Pigs Kept in Fully Slatted Pens. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:584706. [PMID: 33282931 PMCID: PMC7691579 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.584706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the difficulties in complying with the prohibition of routine tail docking is a lack of effective alternative solutions to prevent tail biting, especially in fully slatted systems. This study compared three slat-compatible enrichment replenishment strategies for pigs. Forty-eight mixed-sex pens (six males and six females/pen) of undocked pigs were followed from birth to slaughter. Pre-weaning, half the pigs were provided with enrichment materials (a cardboard cup, rubber toy, hessian cloth and bamboo), in addition to a rope for the sows, in all farrowing crates. Post-weaning, all pens were enriched with eight identical items, including an elevated rack supplied with fresh-cut grass, and objects of wooden, bamboo, rubber, and fabric materials presented in various ways. However, three different replenishment frequencies were applied: "Low" (replenished on Monday/Wednesday/Friday), "Medium" (replenished once daily), and "High" (replenished ad libitum). Individual pigs were weighed on days 0, 49, 91, and 113 post-weaning. Direct behavior observations were conducted twice weekly at pen level (10 min/day/pen), and tail and ear lesion scores of individual pigs were also recorded every other week. These measurements were taken during the post-weaning period. The cost of all enrichment materials used was calculated. Pre-weaning enrichment only contributed to a lower ear lesion score (P = 0.04). No difference in lesion scores was found between post-weaning treatments. "Low" replenishment rate pigs performed more damaging behaviors (tail/ear biting, belly-nosing, mounting, other biting, and aggressive behaviors combined) than "High" and "Medium" pigs (P < 0.01). The average daily gain in the finishing stage was higher in "High" than "Low" pigs (P < 0.05). Although sporadic tail biting occurred, only 0.69% of the pigs had their tails bitten severely enough that they became shorter than half of a normal undocked tail. The average enrichment cost for the post-weaning period was <€2 per pig. In conclusion, the high enrichment replenishment rate increased growth and reduced damaging behaviors compared to the low replenishment rate pigs. Overall, these findings show that the provision and regular replenishment of multiple, slat-compatible, enrichment sources can reduce tail damage to manageable levels without the need for tail docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Yun Chou
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Dale A. Sandercock
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Rick B. D'Eath
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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10
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Haigh A, Chou JY, O'Driscoll K. Variations in the Behavior of Pigs During an Open Field and Novel Object Test. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:607. [PMID: 33102553 PMCID: PMC7494949 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tail biting is a serious welfare concern in pig production. It not only causes distress for victims, but may occur where pigs are unable to cope, and become biters. An animal's ability to cope with stressful situations may vary between individuals, but the behavioral response could be consistent across different fear eliciting situations. We exposed 75 pigs to open field (OF) and novel object (NO) tests at 14 weeks of age. Within each pen of pigs (n = 16 pens, 55 pigs/pen), 6 pigs were selected for testing using the following criteria: 3 pigs that had severe bite wounds (BITTEN), 1 confirmed biter (BITER), 1 pig which could be easily approached and trained to provide a saliva sample (BOLD) and 1 pig which was extremely evasive, and was unable to be trained to willingly provide a saliva sample (SHY). Given that responses may be consistent in different scenarios, we hypothesized that SHY pigs would display more characteristics of a fear response (i.e., less movement in the open field, more time spent by the door, and longer latency to approach the novel object) than human BOLD pigs. We also hypothesized that BITTEN pigs would behave similarly to SHY and BITERS similarly to BOLD. The BOLD and BITER pigs spent more time exploring (P < 0.05) and less time by the door (P < 0.01) than the BITTEN and SHY pigs. Although there was an overall increase in cortisol level from before to after the tests (P < 0.001), this was only significant for BITTEN (P < 0.001) and SHY (P < 0.05) pigs. Therefore, as hypothesized, for several measures, BOLD, and BITER pigs behaved similarly, and differently to SHY and BITTEN. However, the low sample size potentially meant that for several measures, although numeric differences were in the direction hypothesized, there were no statistical differences. Further work in which a greater number of BITER pigs were included in the sample, may elucidate our hypotheses more clearly, as to whether responses to fear tests in pigs could be associated with the likelihood of being a tail biter, or victim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Haigh
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Jen-Yun Chou
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland.,Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom.,Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Roslin Institute Building, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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11
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Chou JY, Drique CMV, Sandercock DA, D'Eath RB, O'Driscoll K. Rearing Undocked Pigs on Fully Slatted Floors Using Multiple Types and Variations of Enrichment. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E139. [PMID: 30986987 PMCID: PMC6523089 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In fully slatted systems, tail biting is difficult to manage when pigs' tails are not docked because loose enrichment material can obstruct slurry systems. This pilot study sought to determine: a) whether intact-tailed pigs can be reared with a manageable level of tail biting by using multiple slat-compatible enrichment; b) whether a variation of enrichment has an effect; and c) whether pigs show a preference in enrichment use. Ninety-six undocked pigs were given the same enrichment items from one week after birth until weaning. At weaning, four different combinations of 8 enrichment items were utilized based on predefined characteristics. These were randomly assigned to 8 pens (n = 12 pigs/pen). Four pens had the same combination (SAME) from assignment and four pens switched combinations every two weeks (SWITCH). Individual lesion scores, interactions with the enrichment, and harmful behaviours were recorded. The average tail score during the experiment was low (0.93 ± 0.02). Only one pig in a SAME pen had a severely bitten tail (partly amputated). The overall level of interaction with enrichment did not decline over time. Pigs interacted with a rack of loose material most frequently (p < 0.001). The study showed promising results for rearing undocked pigs on fully slatted floors using slat-compatible enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Yun Chou
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, P61 P302 Moorepark, Ireland.
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
| | | | - Dale A Sandercock
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Rick B D'Eath
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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