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Chidgey KL. Review: Space allowance for growing pigs: animal welfare, performance and on-farm practicality. Animal 2024; 18 Suppl 1:100890. [PMID: 37451903 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable variation in the recommended minimum space allowance for growing pigs in scientific literature, and growing pressure, arising from recent reviews of current animal welfare standards for pigs, to increase the minimum space allowances set in legislation in some countries (e.g., European Union countries and New Zealand). The space provided for growing pigs needs to accommodate their physical body size in addition to social behaviour, activity, and essential functional behaviours. However, recommended minimum space allowances vary according to criteria such as temperature, live weight, flooring type, group size, behaviour, and enrichment availability. Though there may be justification for increasing current space requirements, this will present a practical issue on existing farms and could even result in unintended negative welfare outcomes, depending on how farmers address an increased requirement for space. This is not helped by inconsistent scientific approaches to assessing the effect of space on pig performance, and a lack of information on how space allowance impacts a pig's affective state. This review explores the scientific basis of the most common approaches to determining minimum space allowances for growing pigs and discusses the various factors that influence and interact with their spatial requirements. Consideration is given to their nutrition, physical environment, health, and behaviour to understand the welfare, performance, and practicality implications of differing recommendations for space allowance. More research is needed that investigates a range of space allowances to better understand the relationship between animal welfare and performance outcomes, and space allowance. This must replicate commercial conditions so that recommendations are relevant, future-focused, and achieve positive welfare outcomes in a practical but meaningful manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Chidgey
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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de Lima AF, Lima SGC, Nogueira-Filho SLG, Held SDE, Mendl M, Nogueira SSC. Object Play as a Positive Emotional State Indicator for Farmed Spotted Paca ( Cuniculus paca). Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:78. [PMID: 38200809 PMCID: PMC10778172 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess whether object play can be used as a positive emotional state indicator for farmed spotted pacas (Cuniculus paca) by examining its association with other positive welfare markers including affiliative behavior and low-amplitude vocalizations. We submitted six groups of spotted pacas (one male/two females per group) (N = 18) to an ABA experimental design (A1/A2: without ball; B: with three boomer balls). Object play behavior occurred only during phase B (mean = 35.5 s, SE = 6.4). The spotted pacas spent more time in affiliative and exploratory behaviors and less time engaging in agonistic interactions during phase B than in both control phases (A1 and A2) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the spotted pacas emitted more low-amplitude bark vocalizations during phase B than during either control phase (p < 0.05), and such vocalizations have previously been shown to indicate a positive affective state and low arousal level. Because the expression of object play was associated with a decrease in aggression, an increase in affiliative behavior, and an increase in low-amplitude barking, we suggest that object play can be used as a non-invasive indicator of positive emotional state in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison F. de Lima
- Applied Ethology Laboratory, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, BA, Brazil; (A.F.d.L.); (S.G.C.L.); (S.L.G.N.-F.)
| | - Stella G. C. Lima
- Applied Ethology Laboratory, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, BA, Brazil; (A.F.d.L.); (S.G.C.L.); (S.L.G.N.-F.)
| | - Sérgio L. G. Nogueira-Filho
- Applied Ethology Laboratory, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, BA, Brazil; (A.F.d.L.); (S.G.C.L.); (S.L.G.N.-F.)
| | - Suzanne D. E. Held
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (S.D.E.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Michael Mendl
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (S.D.E.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Selene S. C. Nogueira
- Applied Ethology Laboratory, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, BA, Brazil; (A.F.d.L.); (S.G.C.L.); (S.L.G.N.-F.)
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Vargas LB, Caldara FR, Lippi ICDC, de Oliveira GF, Odakura AM, Burbarelli MFDC, Garcia RG, Almeida Paz ICDL, Dos Santos LS. Environmental enrichment strategies for weaned pigs: Welfare and behavior. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:205-217. [PMID: 34428125 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1967753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This research aims to evaluate the effects of different types and strategies of environmental enrichment for weaned pigs on behavior. Forty weaned piglets aged 21 to 28 days were distributed in a completely randomized design in five treatments: without enrichment object, full-time cognitive enrichment, intermittent cognitive enrichment, alternate cognitive and sensory enrichment every 24 hours, and alternate cognitive and sensory enrichment every 48 hours. Behavioral observations were made for 15 days considering pig as experimental unit. Pigs of control and continuous cognitive enrichment treatments were submitted to human approach test, novel arena test, and novel object test. Pigs kept in an unstimulated environment show a higher frequency of unwanted behaviors compared to pigs in other treatments regardless of enrichment type. Pigs with alternation of enrichment type every 24 hours showed a longer interaction time with enrichment objects. Enrichment objects in rearing environment during nursery phase reduced undesirable behaviors and reactivity to unknown situations. Strategies such as alternating the type of enrichment every 24 or 48 hours are effective in maintaining the novelty and the animals' interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Braganholo Vargas
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences - Ferderal University Of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Ribeiro Caldara
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences - Ferderal University Of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Isabella Cristina de Castro Lippi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences - Ferderal University Of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Agnês Markiy Odakura
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences - Ferderal University Of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Garófallo Garcia
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences - Ferderal University Of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Luan Sousa Dos Santos
- Department Of Animal Nutrition And Pastures, Federal Rural University of Rio De Janeiro (Ufrrj), Animal Science Institute, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Nadlučnik E, Golinar Oven I, Tomažič I, Plut J, Dovč A, Štukelj M. Discrepancies between farmers' perceptions and actual animal welfare conditions on commercial pig farms. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1010791. [PMID: 36246308 PMCID: PMC9558291 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1010791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a multiparameteral concept that encompasses the physical and mental health of animals and includes various aspects such as physical wellbeing, absence of hunger and thirst, and ability to express motivated behavior, to which farmers usually attach different importance. The objectives of this study were to evaluate animal welfare on Slovenian commercial pig farms, to determine whether farmers' perceived importance of animal welfare differ from actual animal welfare on farms and to determine, if farmer's age, gender, their level of education and participation in vocational training have an influence. For that purpose, we created an Animal Welfare Protocol/Questionnaire for Pig Farms (AWQ/P-P) that assessed several parameters of animal welfare: (1) general status, (2) animal behavior, (3) health status, (4) living conditions, and (5) environmental conditions. Each parameter included at least five observation points and was scored on a 5-point scale. The same observation points were used to measure farmers' perceived importance of animal welfare and for observational assessment. Consequently, we were able to compare both statistically. Farmers from 14 (N = 14) large Slovenian pig farms participated in the study. Results show that farmers rate all parameters of animal welfare very highly. For them, animal health status is the most important, and environmental conditions are the least important factors for animal welfare. Observational inspections yielded significantly lower scores for animal welfare conditions than those obtained from farmer ratings. The highest correlations between farmers' perceptions and observational inspections were found for the parameters of animal behavior and environmental conditions. The results of this study also suggest that vocational training is a significant variable in increasing levels of pig welfare. Age, gender, and education level are not significant variables, however, farms led by older male farmers with lower level of education but involved in vocational training from different sources had slightly better welfare on the farm. This should be further investigated before making conclusions, due to our small sample size. The significance of the study is to identify deficiencies in pig welfare as perceived by farmers and consequently improve pig welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Nadlučnik
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Golinar Oven
- Clinic for Ruminants and Pigs, Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iztok Tomažič
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jan Plut
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Dovč
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marina Štukelj
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Marina Štukelj
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de Castro Lippi IC, Caldara FR, de Lima Almeida Paz IC, Odakura AM. Global and Brazilian Scenario of Guidelines and Legislation on Welfare in Pig Farming. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192615. [PMID: 36230356 PMCID: PMC9558960 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary As with all production animals, pigs need environments suitable for their species, which results in less stress and suffering and more productivity. Therefore, there are quality standards and good management and production practices that must be followed to ensure their well-being. In this sense, over the last few years, many advances have been made, banning or restricting practices capable of causing suffering to animals in most producing countries. This review seeks to explore current global and Brazilian regulations on good production practices in swine farming. Abstract The evolution of scientific knowledge regarding animal sentience, together with the growing concerns of consumers regarding current production models, has brought with it the responsibility of reviewing many practices carried out in industrial swine farming, with the purpose of improving the life quality of animals throughout the entire production cycle. In this sense, many initiatives have been taken by European Union, OIE and other countries to abolish questionable practices from an animal welfare point of view, being signed through legislation or normative instructions, which guide governments and companies on the best practices to be adopted. Among the main changes that have taken place in swine farming are the ban or reduction in the use of cages for sows, restrictions on the age at weaning, ban on painful procedures such as surgical castration, tail and teeth clipping, as routine procedures or without the use of anesthesia/analgesia. In addition, these acts also prescribe practices that must be adopted in order to respect the natural behavior of animals, such as the use of environmental enrichment. This review aims to address the main advances made over the last few years in the protection of swine, as well as Brazilian initiatives in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Cristina de Castro Lippi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Street Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Corrêa w/n, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Ribeiro Caldara
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Itahum Highway, km 12, Dourados 79804-970, MS, Brazil
| | - Ibiara Correia de Lima Almeida Paz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Street Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Corrêa w/n, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Agnês Markiy Odakura
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Itahum Highway, km 12, Dourados 79804-970, MS, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Survey on the Past Decade of Technology in Animal Enrichment: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141792. [PMID: 35883339 PMCID: PMC9311579 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Enrichment is important for supporting the well-being of captive animals. Enrichment increase animal quality of life through encouraging natural behaviours. As enrichment is shifting to a more centered role in animal care, technology is becoming increasingly accessible and is becoming embedded in animal enrichment in creative ways. This review explores the trends in technology usage in animal enrichment studies. Through pulling the past decade of technology enrichment work together, we discuss gaps such as needing to include a larger variety of species (extending passed mammals), ensuring enrichment designs focus primarily on the senses an animal uses to interact with the world rather than human senses, and encouraging similar study designs across animal contexts to allow for streamlined comparisons. Abstract Environmental enrichment is adding complexity to an environment that has a positive impact on a captive animal as a necessity of care. Computing technology is being rapidly weaved throughout the space in both enrichment devices as well as evaluating enrichment outcomes. In this article, we present a scoping review of 102 captive animal enrichment studies and propose a contextual lens for exploring current practices. We discuss the importance of directed growth in species inclusion, transitioning beyond anthro-centric designs, and utilizing shared methodologies.
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Live black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) provisioning is a promising environmental enrichment for pigs as indicated by feed- and enrichment-preference tests. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Crone C, Caldara FR, Martins R, de Oliveira GF, Marcon AV, Garcia RG, Dos Santos LS, Almeida Paz ICL, Lippi ICDC, Burbarelli MFDC. Environmental Enrichment for Pig welfare during Transport. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2021:1-11. [PMID: 34597192 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1983725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effects of environmental enrichment for pigs during transportation in different phases of their productive cycle. Two trials were conducted, the first during transportation of pigs from the piglet production unit (PPU) to the nursery (n = 250) and the second during the transportation of nonhuman animals from the finishing unit (FU) to the slaughterhouse (n = 120). This work was an observational study with five environmental enrichments: Control - no enrichment; object - use of enrichment objects in the truck; aroma - use of lavender aroma in the truck; music - music in the truck; and vehicle sound. Animal behavior during transportation, respiratory rate, skin surface temperature, and skin lesion score were assessed. Piglets from the treatment music had the lowest frequency of agonistic behaviors during transportation from the farrowing to the nursery and lower skin temperature after transportation. Piglets from the control had the highest respiratory rate prior to transportation. Pigs familiarized with vehicle noises spent most of their time lying during the trip to the slaughterhouse. The creation of a familiar environment to pigs seems promising in enhancing animal well-being during transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Crone
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Ribeiro Caldara
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Renata Martins
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Adila Vasconcelos Marcon
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Garófallo Garcia
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luan Sousa Dos Santos
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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Preference for and maintenance of interest in suspended enrichment toys in confined growing pigs. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ramos L, Lunney JK, Gonzalez-Juarrero M. Neonatal and infant immunity for tuberculosis vaccine development: importance of age-matched animal models. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm045740. [PMID: 32988990 PMCID: PMC7520460 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.045740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal and infant immunity differs from that of adults in both the innate and adaptive arms, which are critical contributors to immune-mediated clearance of infection and memory responses elicited during vaccination. The tuberculosis (TB) research community has openly admitted to a vacuum of knowledge about neonatal and infant immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, especially in the functional and phenotypic attributes of memory T cell responses elicited by the only available vaccine for TB, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. Although BCG vaccination has variable efficacy in preventing pulmonary TB during adolescence and adulthood, 80% of endemic TB countries still administer BCG at birth because it has a good safety profile and protects children from severe forms of TB. As such, new vaccines must work in conjunction with BCG at birth and, thus, it is essential to understand how BCG shapes the immune system during the first months of life. However, many aspects of the neonatal and infant immune response elicited by vaccination with BCG remain unknown, as only a handful of studies have followed BCG responses in infants. Furthermore, most animal models currently used to study TB vaccine candidates rely on adult-aged animals. This presents unique challenges when transitioning to human trials in neonates or infants. In this Review, we focus on vaccine development in the field of TB and compare the relative utility of animal models used thus far to study neonatal and infant immunity. We encourage the development of neonatal animal models for TB, especially the use of pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laylaa Ramos
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Microbiology Immunology and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, 1682 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Joan K Lunney
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, BARC, NEA, ARS, USDA Building 1040, Room 103, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Mercedes Gonzalez-Juarrero
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Microbiology Immunology and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, 1682 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Padilha-Boaretto JB, Groff-Urayama PM, Einsfeld SM, de Souza C, Mendes AS, Maeda EM, Takahashi SE. Effect of environmental enrichment for piglets in the nursery phase. Anim Biosci 2020; 34:154-160. [PMID: 32810937 PMCID: PMC7888505 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.20.0222] [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: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effect of environmental enrichment on the behaviour of piglets in the nursery phase was evaluated. METHODS A total of 450 hybrid pigs (21 day old), including both females and uncastrated males, weighing approximately 6 kg, were distributed in a completely randomised design with 3 treatments and 3 replicates of 50 animals each. The treatments were: i) pen without environmental enrichment (control), ii) treatment consisting of continuous environmental enrichment (CEE) with rubber balls throughout the experimental period, and iii) treatment consisting of environmental enrichment with washed balls (EEWB) during the whole experimental period which were removed daily for washing. For the behavioural evaluation, 10 animals were randomly selected per replicate. The behavioural assessments were performed once a week, from 8 am to 6 pm, using images captured with a video camera. The data were submitted to non-parametric analyses, the means were compared using the Bonferroni test, and Person's correlations were also calculated. RESULTS A statistical difference (p = 0.001) was observed in the B5 (playful) behaviour; the animals in the EEWB treatment group had a higher frequency of this behaviour than animals in the control treatment group. The animals in the control group showed a higher frequency of B7 behaviour (lying down) (p = 0.026) than those in the EEWB and CEE treatment groups. The animals in the control group had a higher frequency of the B9 (belly nosing) behaviour than those in the EEWB group (p = 0.015). There was a tendency towards a higher frequency of behaviour B3 (walking in the pen) (p = 0.067) when the animals received the control treatment than treatments EEWB or CEE. CONCLUSION The use of an enriching object improved the animal welfare and altered the correlation between the evaluated behaviours compared to the animals that did not have environmental enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Suelen Maria Einsfeld
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná 85660-000, Brazil
| | - Cleverson de Souza
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná 85660-000, Brazil
| | - Angélica Signor Mendes
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná 85660-000, Brazil
| | - Emilyn Midori Maeda
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná 85660-000, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Endo Takahashi
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná 85660-000, Brazil
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Godyń D, Nowicki J, Herbut P. Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Pig Welfare-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E383. [PMID: 31234475 PMCID: PMC6616547 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Good husbandry conditions on farms is of key importance for assuring animal welfare. One of the most important legal documents regulating the rules of maintaining pigs is the Directive 2008/120/EC, which states that group-housed pigs should have access to litter or other materials that provide exploration and occupation. Released in 2016, the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336 on the application of the Council Directive 2008/120/EC characterizes the various categories of materials that may be used to improve animal welfare. According to the document, straw is considered as an optimal material for pig housing, however, materials categorized as suboptimal (e.g., wood bark) and materials of marginal interest (e.g., plastic toys) are often used in practice and scientific research. As such, the aim of this paper is to review and systematize the current state of knowledge on the topic of the impact of environmental enrichment on pig welfare. This article raises mainly issues, such as the effectiveness of the use of various enrichment on the reduction of undesirable behavior-tail biting; aggression; and stereotypies at the pre-weaning, post-weaning, and fattening stage of pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Godyń
- Department of Production Systems and Environment, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland.
| | - Jacek Nowicki
- Department of Swine and Small Animal Breeding, Faculty of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-059 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Piotr Herbut
- Department of Rural Building, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Land Surveying, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-059 Kraków, Poland.
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