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Colditz IG, Campbell DLM, Ingham AB, Lee C. Review: Environmental enrichment builds functional capacity and improves resilience as an aspect of positive welfare in production animals. Animal 2024; 18:101173. [PMID: 38761442 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101173] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The success of the animal in coping with challenges, and in harnessing opportunities to thrive, is central to its welfare. Functional capacity describes the capacity of molecules, cells, organs, body systems, the whole animal, and its community to buffer against the impacts of environmental perturbations. This buffering capacity determines the ability of the animal to maintain or regain functions in the face of environmental perturbations, which is recognised as resilience. The accuracy of physiological regulation and the maintenance of homeostatic balance underwrite the dynamic stability of outcomes such as biorhythms, feed intake, growth, milk yield, and egg production justifying their assessment as indicators of resilience. This narrative review examines the influence of environmental enrichments, especially during developmental stages in young animals, in building functional capacity and in its subsequent expression as resilience. Experience of enriched environments can build skills and competencies across multiple functional domains including but not limited to behaviour, immunity, and metabolism thereby increasing functional capacity and facilitating resilience within the context of challenges such as husbandry practices, social change, and infection. A quantitative method for measuring the distributed property of functional capacity may improve its assessment. Methods for analysing embedded energy (emergy) in ecosystems may have utility for this goal. We suggest functional capacity provides the common thread that links environmental enrichments with an ability to express resilience and may provide a novel and useful framework for measuring and reporting resilience. We conclude that the development of functional capacity and its subsequent expression as resilience is an aspect of positive animal welfare. The emergence of resilience from system dynamics highlights a need to shift from the study of physical and mental states to the study of physical and mental dynamics to describe the positive dimension of animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- I G Colditz
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
| | - D L M Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - A B Ingham
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - C Lee
- Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
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Bachetti ÉDS, Viol LY, Viana-Junior AB, Young RJ, de Azevedo CS. Global Overview of Environmental Enrichment Studies: What Has Been Done and Future Directions. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1613. [PMID: 38891660 PMCID: PMC11171006 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111613] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Environmental enrichment (EE) is a management principle aimed at meeting the needs of animals under human care by identifying and providing essential environmental stimuli to contribute to the integrity of their psychological and physiological well-being. Studies on EE have been carried out worldwide, but consolidated information on how it has been used, who it has been used for, how it has been evaluated, and what gaps still exist in the subject is scarce in the scientific literature. This study assessed, employing a systematic review, the global scenario of research into EE in animals kept under human care over the last 17 years, answering the above-mentioned questions. (2) Methods: A search for EE papers was carried out in the Web of Science and Scopus databases from January 2005 to December 2021, resulting in 2002 articles from which information was extracted. (3) Results: Results showed an increase in the number of articles published on EE, especially in farms, but studies in laboratory environments continue to be more frequent. Mammals and birds are the most studied animal groups. Cognitive enrichment is the least utilised by researchers. The number of publications by researchers from countries in the southern hemisphere is low. (4) Conclusions: Although the technique of EE is being widely used, it is still focused on certain groups of animals in certain captive environments and carried out mainly in the northern hemisphere of the planet. Therefore, the gaps pointed out here need to be filled by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica da Silva Bachetti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, São João del Rei 35701-970, Brazil; (É.d.S.B.); (L.Y.V.)
| | - Layane Yamile Viol
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, São João del Rei 35701-970, Brazil; (É.d.S.B.); (L.Y.V.)
| | - Arleu Barbosa Viana-Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Brazil;
| | - Robert John Young
- School of Sciences, Engineering & Environment, Peel Building, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo
- Laboratório de Zoologia dos Vertebrados, Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-136, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, s/n, Bauxita, Ouro Preto 35402-136, Brazil
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Sobral VS, Silveira RMF, Guesine GD, Arno A, de Azevedo KAM, Lobos CMV, da Silva IJO. Implications of Lairage and Environmental Enrichment on Behavioral Responses and Skin Lesions in Finishing Pigs in a Slaughterhouse. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1591. [PMID: 38891638 PMCID: PMC11171247 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111591] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Different resources, such as environmental enrichment, are being evaluated in order to minimize animal stress and promote better conditions during the life cycle of animals, as consumers are increasingly concerned about animal welfare issues. Lairage represents an important stage in the swine production chain and is directly related to animal welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lairage time in the slaughterhouse and environmental enrichment on the level of skin lesions and behavioral responses in pigs. A total of 648 finishing pigs of both sexes were assessed before and after lairage at the slaughterhouse with a five-point scale (0 = none, to 4 = ≥16 superficial lesions or >10 deep lesions). After lairage (after slaughter), lesions were also classified according to their source (mounting, fighting, and handling). Pigs were distributed into two treatments groups during lairage: with environmental enrichment (EE) on the pen, with hanging metal chains, and with no enrichment (NE). Behavior was monitored during the first four hours of lairage. Proportional odds, mixed linear model for longitudinal data, and non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze the relation between treatments, skin lesions, and behavior. The simple metal chains did not affect skin lesion score or pigs' behavior (p > 0.05), whereas lairage duration influenced standing (SA), sitting (S), lying (L), idleness (I), and drinking water (D) (p < 0.001). The main source of skin lesions was handling, which did not differ between treatments (EE and NE) (p > 0.05). It was observed that the severity of the lesions (highest scores of 3, 4, and 5) increased in the different anatomical regions of the pigs when compared before and after slaughter, with the exception of the frontal area, which was the same (p = 0.7547). Lairage time has a proportional relation with skin lesions, and hanging chains at the slaughterhouse pens was not enough to reduce the number of lesions and to change pig behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Schwaab Sobral
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil; (V.S.S.); (G.D.G.); (A.A.); (K.A.M.d.A.); (I.J.O.d.S.)
| | - Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil; (V.S.S.); (G.D.G.); (A.A.); (K.A.M.d.A.); (I.J.O.d.S.)
- Department of Animal Science, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovane Debs Guesine
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil; (V.S.S.); (G.D.G.); (A.A.); (K.A.M.d.A.); (I.J.O.d.S.)
| | - Alessandra Arno
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil; (V.S.S.); (G.D.G.); (A.A.); (K.A.M.d.A.); (I.J.O.d.S.)
| | - Karen Airosa Machado de Azevedo
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil; (V.S.S.); (G.D.G.); (A.A.); (K.A.M.d.A.); (I.J.O.d.S.)
| | | | - Iran José Oliveira da Silva
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil; (V.S.S.); (G.D.G.); (A.A.); (K.A.M.d.A.); (I.J.O.d.S.)
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Mluba HS, Atif O, Lee J, Park D, Chung Y. Pattern Mining-Based Pig Behavior Analysis for Health and Welfare Monitoring. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2185. [PMID: 38610396 PMCID: PMC11013991 DOI: 10.3390/s24072185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The increasing popularity of pigs has prompted farmers to increase pig production to meet the growing demand. However, while the number of pigs is increasing, that of farm workers has been declining, making it challenging to perform various farm tasks, the most important among them being managing the pigs' health and welfare. This study proposes a pattern mining-based pig behavior analysis system to provide visualized information and behavioral patterns, assisting farmers in effectively monitoring and assessing pigs' health and welfare. The system consists of four modules: (1) data acquisition module for collecting pigs video; (2) detection and tracking module for localizing and uniquely identifying pigs, using tracking information to crop pig images; (3) pig behavior recognition module for recognizing pig behaviors from sequences of cropped images; and (4) pig behavior analysis module for providing visualized information and behavioral patterns to effectively help farmers understand and manage pigs. In the second module, we utilize ByteTrack, which comprises YOLOx as the detector and the BYTE algorithm as the tracker, while MnasNet and LSTM serve as appearance features and temporal information extractors in the third module. The experimental results show that the system achieved a multi-object tracking accuracy of 0.971 for tracking and an F1 score of 0.931 for behavior recognition, while also highlighting the effectiveness of visualization and pattern mining in helping farmers comprehend and manage pigs' health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Seif Mluba
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Korea University, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea; (H.S.M.); (O.A.)
| | - Othmane Atif
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Korea University, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea; (H.S.M.); (O.A.)
| | - Jonguk Lee
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Sejong Campus, Korea University, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea;
| | - Daihee Park
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Sejong Campus, Korea University, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yongwha Chung
- Department of Computer Convergence Software, Sejong Campus, Korea University, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea;
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von Keyserlingk MAG, Hendricks J, Ventura B, Weary DM. Swine industry perspectives on the future of pig farming. Anim Welf 2024; 33:e7. [PMID: 38510419 PMCID: PMC10951666 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the views of those working along the value chain reliant on livestock is an important step in supporting the transition towards more sustainable farming systems. We recruited 31 delegates attending the Pig Welfare Symposium held in the United States to participate in one of six focus group discussions on the future of pig farming. Each of these six group discussions was subjected to a thematic analysis that identified four themes: (1) technical changes on the farm; (2) farm and industry culture; (3) the farm-public interface; and (4) sustainability. The results of this study illustrate the complexity and diversity of views of those working along the associated value chain within the swine industry. Participants spent the majority of their time discussing current challenges, including technical challenges on the farm and public perception of pig farms. Participants were more hesitant to discuss future issues, but did engage on the broader issue of sustainability, focusing upon economic and environmental aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina AG von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, CanadaV6T 1Z4
| | - Jillian Hendricks
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, CanadaV6T 1Z4
| | - Beth Ventura
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LincsLN6 7DL, UK
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, CanadaV6T 1Z4
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Blanco-Fuertes M, Sibila M, Franzo G, Obregon-Gutierrez P, Illas F, Correa-Fiz F, Aragón V. Ceftiofur treatment of sows results in long-term alterations in the nasal microbiota of the offspring that can be ameliorated by inoculation of nasal colonizers. Anim Microbiome 2023; 5:53. [PMID: 37864263 PMCID: PMC10588210 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nasal microbiota of the piglet is a reservoir for opportunistic pathogens that can cause polyserositis, such as Glaesserella parasuis, Mycoplasma hyorhinis or Streptococcus suis. Antibiotic treatment is a strategy to control these diseases, but it has a detrimental effect on the microbiota. We followed the piglets of 60 sows from birth to 8 weeks of age, to study the effect of ceftiofur on the nasal microbiota and the colonization by pathogens when the treatment was administered to sows or their litters. We also aimed to revert the effect of the antibiotic on the nasal microbiota by the inoculation at birth of nasal colonizers selected from healthy piglets. Nasal swabs were collected at birth, and at 7, 15, 21 and 49 days of age, and were used for pathogen detection by PCR and bacterial culture, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and whole shotgun metagenomics. Weights, clinical signs and production parameters were also recorded during the study. RESULTS The composition of the nasal microbiota of piglets changed over time, with a clear increment of Clostridiales at the end of nursery. The administration of ceftiofur induced an unexpected temporary increase in alpha diversity at day 7 mainly due to colonization by environmental taxa. Ceftiofur had a longer impact on the nasal microbiota of piglets when administered to their sows before farrowing than directly to them. This effect was partially reverted by the inoculation of nasal colonizers to newborn piglets and was accompanied by a reduction in the number of animals showing clinical signs (mainly lameness). Both interventions altered the colonization pattern of different strains of the above pathogens. In addition, the prevalence of resistance genes increased over time in all the groups but was significantly higher at weaning when the antibiotic was administered to the sows. Also, ceftiofur treatment induced the selection of more beta-lactams resistance genes when it was administered directly to the piglets. CONCLUSIONS This study shed light on the effect of the ceftiofur treatment on the piglet nasal microbiota over time and demonstrated for the first time the possibility of modifying the piglets' nasal microbiota by inoculating natural colonizers of the upper respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Blanco-Fuertes
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe (IRTA-CReSA), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber in Epidemiology and Public Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Sibila
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe (IRTA-CReSA), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Pau Obregon-Gutierrez
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe (IRTA-CReSA), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Illas
- Selección Batallé, Avinguda dels Segadors, 17421, Riudarenes, Spain
| | - Florencia Correa-Fiz
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
- WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe (IRTA-CReSA), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Virginia Aragón
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
- WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe (IRTA-CReSA), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Lagoda ME, O’Driscoll K, Galli MC, Marchewka J, Boyle LA. Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part I: Effects on behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e51. [PMID: 38487409 PMCID: PMC10938266 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Commercial gestation housing systems for sows generally fail to cater fully for their needs in terms of comfort or the ability to perform highly motivated behaviours, which can lead to chronic stress and an impairment to welfare. We compared a typical gestation system (CONTROL) with an IMPROVED one as regards oral stereotypies, aggressive behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. Sows were mixed into 12 stable groups (six groups per treatment, 20 sows per group), 29 days post-service in pens with free-access, full-length individual feeding/lying stalls. CONTROL pens had fully slatted concrete floors, with two blocks of wood and two chains suspended in the group area. IMPROVED pens were the same but with rubber mats and a length of manila rope in each feeding stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Direct observations of oral stereotypical (30 instantaneous scans per sow per day) and aggressive (all-occurrence sampling, 3 h per sow per day) behaviours were conducted 72 h post-mixing, in mid and late gestation. Skin lesions were counted 24 h and three weeks post-mixing, and in late gestation. Sows' locomotion (locomotory ability) was scored using a visual analogue scale in mid and late gestation. Right and left eye tear staining was scored in late gestation. Indications of better welfare in IMPROVED sows included performance of fewer oral stereotypies in mid and late gestation, and lower tear stain scores. These sows performed more aggression in late gestation, which was associated with access to enrichment, but skin lesion counts were not affected. Thus, the changes made in the IMPROVED treatment benefitted aspects of sow welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna E Lagoda
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Behaviour, ul. Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec 05-552
| | - Keelin O’Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria C Galli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Joanna Marchewka
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Behaviour, ul. Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec 05-552
| | - Laura A Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
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Grandin T. A Practical Approach to Providing Environmental Enrichment to Pigs and Broiler Chickens Housed in Intensive Systems. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2372. [PMID: 37508149 PMCID: PMC10376279 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142372] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, regulations contain guidance to maintain high standards of animal welfare. In many parts of the world, large buyers for supermarkets or restaurants are the main enforcers of basic animal welfare standards. They can have considerable influence on improving standards on large commercial farms. Research clearly shows that straw is one of the most effective environmental enrichment for pigs. On some large farms, there are concerns that straw will either clog waste management systems or bring in disease. This paper contains a review of both scientific research and practical experience with enrichment devices that are easy to implement. Pigs prefer enrichment objects that they can chew up and deform. Broiler chickens prefer to climb up on objects, hide under them or peck them. It is always essential to uphold basic welfare standards such as animal cleanliness and low levels of lameness (difficulty walking). It is also important to reduce lesions, and maintain body conditions of breeding animals. An environment enrichment device is never a substitute for poorly managed facilities. It should enhance animal welfare on well-managed farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temple Grandin
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Tavares MCMS, Arno A, Silveira RMF, de Lara IAR, Salvador ML, de Freitas SM, Silva IJO. Evaluation of environmental enrichment on thermophysical responses, carcass traits, and meat quality of finishing pigs. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:235. [PMID: 37300601 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03634-z] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment consists of a way to provide better living conditions for animals, but its influence on physical integrity, thermoregulatory responses, and quality of pork meat is not known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermoregulatory responses, lesion score, lameness, carcass traits, and meat quality of pigs with and without access to environmental enrichment (EE) in the finishing phase. A total of 432 pigs of the Hampshire lineage, males and females, with average initial and final weights between 22-27 kg and 110-125 kg respectively were evaluated. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, with 6 treatments, distributed in a 2×3 factorial scheme (sex × environmental enrichment), with 12 repetitions per treatment, totaling 72 stalls. The treatments were branched chain for males (T1), branched sisal rope for males (T2), males without EE (T3), branched chain for females (T4), branched sisal rope for females (T5), and females without EE (T6). Weekly, two assessments of physiological data were performed, in loco, in the morning and afternoon. Lesions on the tail, ear, body, and lameness were evaluated on the 1st, 16th, 37th, 51st, 79th, 93rd, and 112th days. On the 112th day, 72 animals were slaughtered for carcass traits and meat quality analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized and mixed linear models. There was no effect (p>0.05) of the interaction of the studied factors (environmental enrichment × sex × period) on the head, back, leg, and average temperature. However, there was an effect of the period factor (p<0.01), with higher temperatures in the afternoon compared to the morning. For tail injury, there was no association between injury degree and gender (p=0.56) and between injury degree and enrichment (p=0.99), and there was no interaction effect (p=0.15). For ear injury, there was no association between the degree of ear injury and gender (p=0.72), as well as for the degree of ear injury and enrichment (p=0.99) and interaction (p=0.47). There was a higher occurrence of categories 2, 3, and 4 for lesions on the body in males (p=0.0257), regardless of the EE. Water retention, carcass yield, cut yield, marbling pattern, pH, and color showed no effect for sex, enrichment, and interaction between the two factors (p>0.05). The use of environmental enrichment with sisal ropes and branched chains does not change the thermophysical responses, carcass traits, and meat quality of finishing pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Coelly Modesto Santos Tavares
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Arno
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Idemauro Antonio Rodrigues de Lara
- Department of Exact Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Letícia Salvador
- Department of Exact Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Maria de Freitas
- Department of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Campus do Pici, Science Center, Block 910, CE, 60440-900, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Iran José Oliveira Silva
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
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de Azevedo CS, Cipreste CF, Pizzutto CS, Young RJ. Review of the Effects of Enclosure Complexity and Design on the Behaviour and Physiology of Zoo Animals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081277. [PMID: 37106840 PMCID: PMC10135285 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081277] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the habitat refers to its physical geometry, which includes abiotic and biotic elements. Habitat complexity is important because it allows more species to coexist and, consequently, more interactions to be established among them. The complexity of the habitat links the physical structure of the enclosure to the biological interactions, which occur within its limits. Enclosure complexity should vary temporally, to be able to influence the animals in different ways, depending on the period of the day and season and throughout the year. In the present paper, we discuss how habitat complexity is important, and how it can positively influence the physical and mental states of zoo animals. We show how habitat complexity can ultimately affect educational projects. Finally, we discuss how we can add complexity to enclosures and, thus, make the lives of animals more interesting and functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, s/n Bauxita, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária Armando Salles de Oliveira, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Robert John Young
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford Manchester, Peel Building-Room G51, Salford M5 4WT, UK
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11
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Schütz A, Busch G, Sonntag WI. Systematically analysing the acceptability of pig farming systems with different animal welfare levels when considering intra-sustainability trade-offs: Are citizens willing to compromise? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282530. [PMID: 36888649 PMCID: PMC9994692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, intensive pig husbandry has been subject to increasing public criticism, including a clear demand for more animal-friendly housing systems in many countries. However, such systems are associated with trade-offs at the expense of other sustainability domains, which challenges implementation and makes prioritization necessary. Overall, research is scarce that systematically analyses citizens' evaluation of different pig housing systems and associated trade-offs. Given the ongoing transformation process of future livestock systems that meet social demands, it is crucial to include public attitudes. We therefore assessed how citizens evaluate different pig housing systems and whether they are willing to compromise animal welfare in trade-off situations. We conducted an online survey with 1,038 German citizens using quota and split sampling in a picture-based survey design. Participants were asked to evaluate several housing systems with different animal welfare levels and associated trade-offs based on an either positive ('free-range' in split 1) or negative ('indoor housing with fully slatted floors' in split 2) reference system. Initial acceptability was highest for the 'free-range' system, followed by 'indoor housing with straw bedding and outdoor access', 'indoor housing with straw bedding', and 'indoor housing with fully slatted floors', with only the latter being clearly not acceptable for many. Overall acceptability was higher with a positive rather than a negative reference system. When confronted with several trade-off situations, participants became uncertain and temporarily adjusted their evaluations. Thereby participants were most likely to trade off housing conditions against animal or human health rather than against climate protection or a lower product price. Nevertheless, a final evaluation demonstrated that participants did not fundamentally change their initial attitudes. Our findings provide evidence that citizens' desire for good housing conditions is relatively stable, but they are willing to compromise at the expense of animal welfare up to a moderate level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Schütz
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Gesa Busch
- Food Consumption and Wellbeing, University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, Freising, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Winnie Isabel Sonntag
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
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12
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Luo L, van der Zande LE, van Marwijk MA, Knol EF, Rodenburg TB, Bolhuis JE, Parois SP. Impact of Enrichment and Repeated Mixing on Resilience in Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:829060. [PMID: 35400108 PMCID: PMC8988148 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.829060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resilience, the capacity of animals to be minimally affected by a disturbance or to rapidly bounce back to the state before the challenge, may be improved by enrichment, but negatively impacted by a high allostatic load from stressful management procedures in pigs. We investigated the combined effects of diverging environmental conditions from weaning and repeated mixing to create high allostatic load on resilience of pigs. Pigs were either exposed to barren housing conditions (B) from weaning onwards or provided with sawdust, extra toys, regular access to a “play arena” and daily positive human contact (E). Half of the pigs were exposed to repeated mixing (RM) and the other half to one mixing only at weaning (minimal mixing, MM). To assess their resilience, the response to and recovery from a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sickness challenge and a Frustration challenge were studied. In addition, potential long-term resilience indicators, i.e. natural antibodies, hair cortisol and growth were measured. Some indications of more favorable responses to the challenges in E pigs were found, such as lower serum reactive oxygen metabolite (dROM) concentrations and a smaller area under the curve of dROM after LPS injection. In the Frustration challenge, E pigs showed less standing alert, escape behaviors and other negative behaviors, a tendency for a smaller area under the curve of salivary cortisol and a lower plasma cortisol level at 1 h after the challenge. Aggression did not decrease over mixings in RM pigs and was higher in B pigs than in E pigs. Repeated mixing did not seem to reduce resilience. Contrary to expectations, RM pigs showed a higher relative growth than MM pigs during the experiment, especially in the week of the challenges. Barren RM pigs showed a lower plasma cortisol concentration than barren MM pigs after the LPS challenge, which may suggest that those RM pigs responded less detrimentally than MM pigs. Enriched RM pigs showed a higher level of IgM antibodies binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) than enriched MM and barren RM pigs, and RM pigs showed a sharper decline in IgG antibodies binding Bovine Serum Albumin (PC-BSA) over time than MM pigs. Hair cortisol concentrations were not affected by enrichment or mixing. To conclude, enrichment did not enhance the speed of recovery from challenges in pigs, although there were indications of reduced stress. Repeated as opposed to single mixing did not seem to aggravate the negative effects of barren housing on resilience and for some parameters even seemed to reduce the negative effects of barren housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Luo
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Lisette E. van der Zande
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Manon A. van Marwijk
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - T. Bas Rodenburg
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
| | - Severine P. Parois
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- PEGASE, INRAE, Institut Agro, Saint-Gilles, France
- Epidemiology Health and Welfare Research Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Ploufragan, France
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13
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Schütz A, Kurz K, Busch G. Virtual farm tours-Virtual reality glasses and tablets are suitable tools to provide insights into pig husbandry. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261248. [PMID: 35007299 PMCID: PMC8746731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from improving husbandry conditions and animal welfare, there is a clear public demand to increase transparency in agricultural activities. Personal farm tours have shown to be appreciated by citizens but are limited in their impact because of hygiene requirements and accessibility. Virtual farm tours are a promising approach to overcome these limitations but evidence on their perceptions is missing. This study analyzes how a virtual farm tour is perceived by showing participants (n = 17) a 360-degree video of a conventional pig fattening pen on a tablet and via virtual reality (VR) glasses. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to analyze perceptions and level of immersion and to elicit differences between media devices. Participants' perception of the pig fattening pen was rather poor and depended on the recording perspective as well as on the media device. However, housing conditions were perceived more positively compared to the image participants had in mind prior to the study, and thus the stable was considered as a rather positive example. Participants described virtual farm tours as suitable tool to improve transparency and information transfer and to gain insights into husbandry conditions. They appreciated the comfortable and entertaining character of both media devices and named various possibilities for implementation. However, VR glasses were favored regarding the higher realistic and entertaining value, while the tablet was considered beneficial in terms of usability. The presentation of video sequences without additional explanations about the farm or the housing conditions were claimed insufficient to give an adequate understanding of the seen content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Schütz
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Katharina Kurz
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Gesa Busch
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
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14
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Koch F, Kowalczyk J, Mielke H, Schenkel H, Bachmann M, Zeyner A, Leinweber P, Pieper R. Preference and possible consumption of provided enrichment and bedding materials and disinfectant powder by growing pigs. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:1. [PMID: 34983672 PMCID: PMC8725516 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00243-w] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Domestic pigs have an evolutionary conserved exploratory behaviour. To comply with this requirement, the European Union aims at setting standards for appropriate enrichment materials for pigs (Council Directive 2008/120/EC). As recommended characteristics include ‘chewable’ and ‘edible’, pigs might also consume these materials (Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336), which are often additionally advertised to enhance lying comfort and hygienic conditions in stables. To date, a wide range of bedding, enrichment and disinfectant materials is available on the market to ensure environmental enrichment, a dry, hygienic environment or lying comfort. Previous studies revealed considerable amounts of undesirable substances in some of these materials possibly being a risk for food safety considering oral uptake by the animal. To determine interest and indicators for consumption of different types of materials by pigs during exploratory behaviour, a camera-assisted observational study with 12 female pigs (German Landrace) was conducted. We tested their preference for a disinfectant powder, peat, biochar and straw as reference material in a 4 × 6 factorial arrangement. Results Pigs manipulated and consumed all offered materials. However, longest manipulation time per pig was observed for biochar (63 min/day) and peat (50 min/day) (p < 0.05). Analyses of the bulk molecular-chemical composition and n-alkanes and acid insoluble ash as markers in the materials and in faeces clearly revealed the consumption of these materials by pigs. Conclusions Whether the consumption of considerable amounts together with certain levels of undesirable substances represents a risk for pig and consumer health could yet not be established. Future studies will address the quantitative contribution of undesirable substances by oral ingestion of bedding and enrichment materials and disinfectant powders to the daily feed ration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Koch
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Kowalczyk
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Mielke
- Department Exposure, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Schenkel
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Bachmann
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Annette Zeyner
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Peter Leinweber
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert Pieper
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Dervishi E, Reimert I, van der Zande LE, Mathur P, Knol EF, Plastow GS. Relationship between indirect genetic effects for growth, environmental enrichment, coping style and sex with the serum metabolome profile of pigs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23377. [PMID: 34862433 PMCID: PMC8642533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02814-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Including Indirect Genetic Effects (IGE) in breeding programs to reduce aggression in group housed animals has been proposed. However, the effect of selection for IGE for growth on animal metabolism and physiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) To investigate the effects of this new breeding method along with two housing (barren and straw), coping style (high and low resisters) and sex (female and castrated males) options on the metabolome profile of pigs. (2) To identify and map biological processes associated with a regrouping test at 9 weeks of age. We used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to quantify 49 serum metabolites at week 8, 9 and 22. Also, we quantified 3 catecholamines (tyramine, epinephrine, phenylethylamine) and serotonin and three water soluble vitamins (B2, B5 and B7). Overall, no significant differences were observed between negative and positive IGE animals. The magnitude of change (delta) of many metabolites as a response to the regrouping test was significantly affected by IGE, especially that of the amino acids (P < 0.05), being greater in positive IGE pigs. The regrouping test was associated with alteration in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. In conclusion positive and negative IGE animals respond differently to the regrouping test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elda Dervishi
- Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta, 116 St and 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Inonge Reimert
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette E van der Zande
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pramod Mathur
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Egbert F Knol
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Graham S Plastow
- Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta, 116 St and 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
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Yin SW, Meng YL, Li C, Wang Y. Enriched environment for offspring improves learning and memory impairments induced by sevoflurane exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1293-1298. [PMID: 34782574 PMCID: PMC8643064 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.327347] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in animals indicate that sevoflurane exposure in the second trimester of pregnancy has harmful effects on the learning and memory of offspring. Whether an enriched environment can reverse the damage of sevoflurane exposure in the second trimester of pregnancy on the learning and memory of rat offspring remains unclear. In this study, rats at 14 days of pregnancy were exposed to 3.5% sevoflurane for 2 hours and their offspring were treated with an enriched environment for 20 successive days. We found that the enriched environment for offspring increased nestin and Ki67 levels in hippocampal tissue, increased hippocampal neurogenesis, inhibited glycogen synthase kinase 3β activity, and increased the expression of cell proliferation-related β-catenin and apoptosis-related Bcl-2, indicating that an enriched environment reduces sevoflurane-induced damage by increasing the proliferation of stem cells in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that an enriched environment can reverse the effects of sevoflurane inhaled by rats during the second trimester of pregnancy on learning and memory of offspring. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (approval No. 2018PS07K) on January 2, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Wei Yin
- Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi-Lin Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chuang Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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17
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Miller LJ, Lauderdale LK, Mellen JD, Walsh MT, Granger DA. Assessment of animal management and habitat characteristics associated with social behavior in bottlenose dolphins across zoological facilities. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253732. [PMID: 34460835 PMCID: PMC8405028 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins are a behaviorally complex, social species that display a variety of social behaviors. Because of this, it is important for zoological facilities to strive to ensure animals display species-appropriate levels of social behavior. The current study is part of the multi-institutional study entitled "Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums" commonly referred to as the Cetacean Welfare Study. All participating facilities were accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Behavioral data were collected on 47 bottlenose dolphins representing two subspecies, Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus, at 25 facilities. The social behaviors of group related activity (group active) as well as interacting with conspecifics (interact with conspecific) were examined for their relationships to both animal management factors and habitat characteristics. The behavioral state of group active and the rate of interact with conspecific were both positively related to the frequency of receiving new forms of environmental enrichment. Both were inversely related to the random scheduling of environmental enrichment. Additional results suggested interact with conspecific was inversely related with daytime spatial experience and that males displayed group active more than females. Overall, the results suggested that animal management techniques such as the type and timing of enrichment may be more important to enhance social behavior than habitat characteristics or the size of the habitat. Information gained from this study can help facilities with bottlenose dolphins manage their enrichment programs in relation to social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance J. Miller
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisa K. Lauderdale
- Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research, Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Jill D. Mellen
- Biology Department, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Walsh
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States of America
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18
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Wen C, van Dixhoorn I, Schokker D, Woelders H, Stockhofe-Zurwieden N, Rebel JMJ, Smidt H. Environmentally enriched housing conditions affect pig welfare, immune system and gut microbiota in early life. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:52. [PMID: 34321110 PMCID: PMC8320228 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional pig housing and management conditions are associated with gastrointestinal pathophysiology and disease susceptibility in early life. Developing new strategies to reduce both therapeutic and prophylactic antibiotic use is urgent for the sustainable swine production globally. To this end, housing methodology providing effective environmental enrichment could be a promising alternative approach to reduce antibiotic usage, as it has been proven to positively influence pig welfare and immune status and reduce susceptibility to infections. It is, however, poorly understood how this enriched housing affects systemic and local pulmonary immune status and gut microbiota colonization during early life. In the present study, we compared the effects of two housing conditions, i.e., conventional housing: (CH) versus enriched housing (EH), on immune status and gut microbiota from birth until 61 days of age. RESULTS The expected benefits of enrichment on pig welfare were confirmed as EH pigs showed more positive behaviour, less aggression behaviour during the weaning transition and better human animal relation during the post weaning phase. Regarding the pigs' immune status, EH pigs had higher values of haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume in haematological profiles and higher percentages of T cells and cytotoxic T cells in peripheral blood. Furthermore, EH pigs showed higher ex vivo secretion of IL1ß and TNF-α after lipopolysaccharide stimulation of whole blood than CH pigs. The structure of the developing faecal microbiota of CH and EH pigs significantly differed as early as day 12 with an increase in the relative abundance of several bacterial groups known to be involved in the production of short chain fatty acids, such as Prevotella_2, Christensenellaceae_R_7_group and Ruminococcus gauvreauii group. Furthermore, the main difference between both housing conditions post weaning was that on day 61, CH pigs had significantly larger inter-individual variation of ileal and colonic microbiota than EH pigs. In addition to housing, other intrinsic factors (e.g., sex) were associated with gut microbiota development and immune competence. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known welfare benefits for pigs, environmentally enriched housing also positively drives important aspects of the development of the immune system and the establishment of gut microbiota in early life. Consequently, EH may contribute to increasing productivity of pigs and reducing antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caifang Wen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid van Dixhoorn
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirkjan Schokker
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henri Woelders
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Johanna M. J. Rebel
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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19
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Early socialization and environmental enrichment of lactating piglets affects the caecal microbiota and metabolomic response after weaning. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6113. [PMID: 33731752 PMCID: PMC7969613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the possible impact of early socialization and an enriched neonatal environment to improve adaptation of piglets to weaning. We hypothesized that changes in the microbiota colonization process and in their metabolic response and intestinal functionality could help the animals face weaning stress. A total of 48 sows and their litters were allotted into a control (CTR) or an enriched treatment (ENR), in which piglets from two adjacent pens were combined and enriched with toys. The pattern of caecal microbial colonization, the jejunal gene expression, the serum metabolome and the intestinal physiology of the piglets were assessed before (-2 d) and after weaning (+ 3d). A differential ordination of caecal microbiota was observed after weaning. Serum metabolome suggested a reduced energetic metabolism in ENR animals, as evidenced by shifts in triglycerides and fatty acids, VLDL/LDL and creatine regions. The TLR2 gene showed to be downregulated in the jejunum of ENR pigs after weaning. The integration of gene expression, metabolome and microbiota datasets confirmed that differences between barren and enriched neonatal environments were evident only after weaning. Our results suggest that improvements in adaptation to weaning could be mediated by a better response to the post-weaning stress.
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20
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Zhitnitskiy PE, Terreaux CMHA, Phillips HN, Ventura BA. Short-Term Impact of Point-Source Enrichment on the Behavior of Gestating Sows Housed in Groups. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.649114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is an important strategy to improve the welfare of farm animals. However, relatively little is known about enrichment for gestating sows, especially those raised on farms with slatted floors and for which provision of straw may be difficult. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the short-term (4 d) impact of a point-source enrichment object on the behavior of gestating sows housed in group pens. Four pens of gestating sows on a university research farm were randomly allocated to receive either enrichment or no enrichment (control) in a 2 by 2 crossover design. Time budgets were established by video recording focal sows' behaviors (n = 10 focals per pen) every 15 min between 0800 and 1500 every day. Enrichment use was further characterized by continuous behavior sampling for a 1 h interval between 0830 and 0930 each day. The impact of parity, lameness and presence of stereotypical behavior such as sham chewing on enrichment use was evaluated. Over the course of the study, focal sows spent approximately 73% of observations inactive [either lying down (70%), standing (2%), or sitting (1%)]. Within the remaining observations, sows were most commonly observed sham-chewing (16%), followed by 3% exploring, 2% feeding, 2% walking and 1% interacting with the enrichment when it was available. Low-parity sows, moderately-lame sows, and sows observed sham chewing at baseline displayed more consistent enrichment use over the course of the study (p = 0.02, p < 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). While no adverse behavioral effects (increased agonism or sham chewing) due to provision or removal of the enrichment object were observed and while 85% of sows were observed to interact with enrichment at least once, interest declined sharply after the first day. We conclude that further research is needed to identify effective and sustainable enrichment strategies for gestating sows.
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21
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Van Tichelen K, Prims S, Ayuso M, Van Kerschaver C, Vandaele M, Degroote J, Van Cruchten S, Michiels J, Van Ginneken C. Handling Associated with Drenching Does Not Impact Survival and General Health of Low Birth Weight Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020404. [PMID: 33562568 PMCID: PMC7915206 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase in litter sizes in recent years has resulted in more low birth weight (LBW) piglets, accompanied by a higher mortality. A potential intervention to overcome this is drenching bioactive substances. However, if the act of drenching provokes additional stress in LBW piglets, it might counteract the supplement's effect and be detrimental for the piglet's survival. To study the effect of the drenching act, piglets from 67 sows were weighed within 4 h after birth. The mean litter birth weight (MLBW) and standard deviation (SD) were calculated. LBW piglets (n = 76) were defined as weighing between (MLBW-1*SD) and (MLBW-2.5*SD). They were randomly allocated to two treatments: "sham" (conducting the act of drenching by inserting an empty 2.5 mL syringe in the mouth during 20 s, once a day, d1 till d7; n = 37) or "no treatment" (no handling; n = 39). On day 1, 3, 9, 24 and 38, piglets were weighed and scored for skin lesions. Blood samples were collected on day 9 and 38 and analyzed to determine glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea, immunoglobulin G (IgG), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and a standard blood panel test. There was no difference between sham drenched and untreated piglets regarding any of the parameters. In conclusion, this study showed that drenching does not impose a significant risk to LBW piglets and can be applied safely during the first 7 days after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Van Tichelen
- Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Biomedical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences, Antwerp University, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.V.T.); (S.P.); (M.A.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Sara Prims
- Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Biomedical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences, Antwerp University, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.V.T.); (S.P.); (M.A.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Miriam Ayuso
- Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Biomedical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences, Antwerp University, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.V.T.); (S.P.); (M.A.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Céline Van Kerschaver
- Laboratory for Animal Production and Animal Product Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (C.V.K.); (M.V.); (J.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Mario Vandaele
- Laboratory for Animal Production and Animal Product Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (C.V.K.); (M.V.); (J.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Jeroen Degroote
- Laboratory for Animal Production and Animal Product Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (C.V.K.); (M.V.); (J.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Steven Van Cruchten
- Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Biomedical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences, Antwerp University, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.V.T.); (S.P.); (M.A.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Joris Michiels
- Laboratory for Animal Production and Animal Product Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (C.V.K.); (M.V.); (J.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Chris Van Ginneken
- Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Biomedical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences, Antwerp University, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (K.V.T.); (S.P.); (M.A.); (S.V.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Wiechers DH, Brunner S, Herbrandt S, Kemper N, Fels M. Analysis of Hair Cortisol as an Indicator of Chronic Stress in Pigs in Two Different Farrowing Systems. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:605078. [PMID: 33585618 PMCID: PMC7876061 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.605078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Confinement to farrowing crates is known to prevent sows from performing natural behavior, impairing animal welfare and possibly causing chronic stress. Hair cortisol analyses are increasingly used to detect chronic stress in animals. In the present study, hair samples were collected in the neck of sows kept either in farrowing crates (FC, n = 31) or in a loose-housing system (LH, n = 30) in six batches. Cortisol was extracted and analyzed using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Mean hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) did not differ significantly between the systems (LH: 1.85 ± 0.82 pg/mg, FC: 2.13 ± 1.53 pg/mg, P = 0.631). HCC was also not affected by other factors, such as sows' parity, number of piglets, skin lesion score or sow's weight loss during the farrowing period. However, highly significant differences were found in hair growth rates between different regions within the 20 × 30 cm shaving area. While the hair in both lateral parts of the shaving area grew almost identically (left: 7.48 ± 3.52 mm, right: 7.44 ± 3.24 mm, P = 1.00), the hair grew more in the area above the spine (12.27 + 3.95 mm, P < 0.001). In both systems, the mean individual lesion score of sows declined from the beginning to the end of the housing period (P < 0.001). No difference was found between FC and LH sows at any time (P > 0.05). Since neither the amount of skin lesions nor HCC differed between LH and FC sows, it may be concluded that confining sows in farrowing crates did not affect chronic stress levels. However, results may be affected by a downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during long-term stress, resulting in lower cortisol levels over time. HCC in sows may also be influenced by a dominant stressor, such as farrowing or the presence of suckling piglets. Thus, for a comparison of different farrowing systems regarding chronic stress, the use of hair cortisol measurement seems to be limited. The present results revealed that differences in hair growth rate within the same body region exist. This important finding should be considered when collecting hair samples in pigs, since hair cortisol concentrations may vary depending on hair growth and length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dierck-Hinrich Wiechers
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Susanne Brunner
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Michaela Fels
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
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Li Y, Wang C, Huang S, Liu Z, Wang H. Space allowance determination by considering its coeffect with toy provision on production performance, behavior and physiology for grouped growing pigs. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Analysis of Hindgut Microbiome of Sheep and Effect of Different Husbandry Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010004. [PMID: 33375098 PMCID: PMC7822195 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010004] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is now seen as an important resource to understand animal health and welfare in many species. However, there are few studies aiming at identifying the association between fecal microbiome composition and husbandry conditions in sheep. A wide range of stressors associated with management and housing of animals increases the hypothalamic–pituitary axis activity, with growing evidence that the microbiome composition can be modified. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to describe the core microbiome in sheep, characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and to explore whether exposure to stressful husbandry conditions changed sheep hindgut microbiome composition. Sheep (n = 10) were divided in two groups: isolated group (individually separated for 3 h/day) and control group (housed in the home pen for the entire trial period). Sheep core microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes (43.6%), Bacteroidetes (30.38%), Proteobacteria (10.14%), and Verrucomicrobia (7.55%). Comparative results revealed few operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with significantly different relative abundance between groups. Chao1, abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE), and Fisher’s alpha indices did not show differences between groups. OTU-based Bray–Curtis distances between groups were not significant (p-value = 0.07). In conclusion, these results describing the core microbiome of sheep do not suggest a strong effect of stressful husbandry conditions on microbial composition.
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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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Schmitt O, Poidevin A, O’Driscoll K. Does Diversity Matter? Behavioural Differences between Piglets Given Diverse or Similar Forms of Enrichment Pre-Weaning. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101837. [PMID: 33050195 PMCID: PMC7601935 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101837] [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: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study looked at behavioural differences between piglets provided with either two identical or two different enrichment materials. From seven days-old until weaning, piglets were given hessian fabrics or bamboo: the control group had only hessian, and the diverse groups had both hessian and bamboo. One object was attached to the pen wall and the other suspended in the middle of the pen and piglets behaviours were observed. Objects suspended in the middle of the pen attracted more attention than objects attached to the wall. Piglets preferred hessian over bamboo, and the interest in hessian increased over time, while interest in bamboo remained unchanged. Piglets interacted differently with the objects: more oral manipulation and shaking occurred with the hessian and more pushing occurred with the bamboo. Control piglets performed more biting than piglets with diverse enrichment, both pre- and post-weaning. Therefore, providing different forms of enrichment to piglets pre-weaning has the potential to reduce biting occurrences and, thus, to promote welfare. Hessian was probably favoured because it allowed oral manipulation, which was the most frequent interaction observed. Abstract This study investigated the behavioural effects of providing different enrichment materials to suckling piglets from 7 days-old until weaning. One object was attached to the pen wall (WALL), and the other was suspended in the middle of the pen (MID). Control group had the hessian fabric in both locations, and the two diverse groups had hessian and bamboo stick in alternate locations (i.e., BMID-HWALL and HMID-BWALL). Piglets behaviour was recorded on D0 (object introduction), D1, D5, D8, D12, and D14; at weaning and 1, 3, 5 and 15 days after. Groups did not differ in approaching or interacting with objects on D0. MID objects attracted more attention than WALL objects (p < 0.01). Piglets interacted more with hessian than bamboo (p < 0.001). They performed more oral manipulation and shaking with hessian (p < 0.001), but more pushing of bamboo (p < 0.001). Interactions with objects increased with time (p < 0.001), especially with hessian (p < 0.01), while interest in bamboo remained unchanged. Control piglets performed more biting than piglets with diverse enrichment (pooled data), both pre- and post-weaning (p < 0.05). Therefore, providing different types of enrichment material can reduce biting behaviour pre- and post-weaning. Hessian was favoured, possibly because this was easier to bite and shake, which were the behaviours most often observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Schmitt
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, P61 C996 Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland;
- Department of Animal Production, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Team, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Aurélie Poidevin
- Laboratoire d’Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée EA 4443, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 93430 Villetaneuse, France;
| | - Keelin O’Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, P61 C996 Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland;
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Neurobiology of environmental enrichment in pigs: hanges in monoaminergic neurotransmitters in several brain areas and in the hippocampal proteome. J Proteomics 2020; 229:103943. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Understanding German Pig Farmers' Intentions to Design and Construct Pig Housing for the Improvement of Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101760. [PMID: 32998317 PMCID: PMC7600590 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving farm animal welfare requires modifications to the behavior of many stakeholders. Investments in more animal-friendly barns to improve animal welfare have already been made by some farmers. However, more farmers must be persuaded to modernize their barns. The marketing of animal-friendly products is the responsibility of retailers, and consumers have to purchase these products. Currently, little is known about what (and how) underlying psychological factors influence a farmer's intention to construct pig housing to improve farm animal welfare. Pig farmers in Germany were questioned via an online questionnaire in May 2020 (n = 424). Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), partial least squares path modeling was used. The constructs: attitude, subjective norm, direct and indirect experience associated with the construction of pig housing substantially influenced the farmers' behaviors. As expected, the impact of perceived behavioral control on intention was negative but was also very low and only slightly significant. Contrary to expectations, the perceived behavioral control had no significant influence on farmers' behaviors. Pig farmers who have already rebuilt their pigs' housing should be motivated to share their experiences to influence their colleagues' intentions to construct. Our results will encourage policy makers to consider the important role of the different psychological and intrinsic factors influencing pig farmers. Thus, the sustainability of pig farming can be improved by giving politicians a better understanding of farmers´ behaviors.
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Maize silage as enrichment material improves the welfare of growing-finishing pigs in environmentally-friendly pens. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Maes DGD, Dewulf J, Piñeiro C, Edwards S, Kyriazakis I. A critical reflection on intensive pork production with an emphasis on animal health and welfare. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:S15-S26. [PMID: 31784754 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dominiek G D Maes
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Sandra Edwards
- Agriculture, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ilias Kyriazakis
- PigCHAMP Pro Europa S.L., Segovia, Spain.,Agriculture, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Luo L, Reimert I, Middelkoop A, Kemp B, Bolhuis JE. Effects of Early and Current Environmental Enrichment on Behavior and Growth in Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:268. [PMID: 32582773 PMCID: PMC7287207 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enriched environments are known to beneficially affect the behavior of pigs, as compared with barren pens. The influence of enrichment may, however, depend on pigs' early life housing experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of early and later life environmental enrichment on behavior and growth in pigs with different coping styles. Pigs were housed in either barren pens or in larger pens enriched with rooting substrates from birth, and half of them experienced a housing switch, i.e., a loss or gain of enrichment, at 7 weeks of age, creating four treatment groups. Home pen behavior and body weight were recorded until 19 weeks of age. Pigs were classified as reactive or proactive based on a backtest at 2 weeks of age. Enrichment increased time spent exploring, chewing, and play and decreased oral manipulation of penmates and pen-directed exploring and chewing. Behavior of pigs that switched from barren to enriched pens or vice versa reflected not only their actual environment, but also their early life housing. As early and later life enrichment affected most behaviors in opposite directions, effects of enrichment, or lack thereof, after the switch were more pronounced in pigs that had experienced a different early life condition. For instance, pigs experiencing an upgrade from barren to enriched pens seemed to "catch-up" by showing more exploration and play. Conversely, pigs exposed to a downgrade displayed more oral manipulation of penmates than ones kept barren throughout, which particularly held for pigs with a reactive coping style. Effects of early life and current housing on several other behaviors depended on coping style too. Pigs housed in enriched conditions appeared better able to cope with weaning than barren housed pigs, as they gained more weight and had higher feed intake post-weaning. Barren housed pigs had a lower body weight than enriched pigs just before the switch, after which growth was mainly determined by actual housing, with enriched kept pigs having a higher feed intake and body weight. Thus, not only current housing conditions, but also a (mis)match with the early life environment may affect behavior and growth of pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Luo
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Inonge Reimert
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Anouschka Middelkoop
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - J Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Velasquez-Munoz A, Manriquez D, Paudyal S, Solano G, Han H, Callan R, Velez J, Pinedo P. Effect of a mechanical grooming brush on the behavior and health of recently weaned heifer calves. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:284. [PMID: 31395062 PMCID: PMC6686348 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2033-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Calf stress at weaning and during transition to group pens represents a concern in dairy operations. Favoring natural behaviors, such as grooming, may help on reducing this challenge. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a mechanical grooming brush on behavior and health of recently weaned calves, after transferring from individual to group housing. Two treatment groups (control [CON, n = 81]; automated brush [AB, n = 81]) were compared enrolling Holstein heifers (94 ± 7 d old) that were monitored for 20 days. Four cohorts, considering one CON and one AB group (19–20 calves/pen/cohort) were enrolled sequentially. Each calf was weighed, clinically evaluated, and affixed with a 3-D accelerometer sensor attached to the ear at enrolment. Continuous measurements (min/h) were generated for the following behaviors: Not-active, active, highly active, eating, and ruminating. Cameras for continuous video recording were installed in each pen, and calves were weighted at the last day of the study (d 20). Behavioral data were summarized as daily averages (min/h). Data was examined using repeated measures analysis for nested factors, with day as the time unit. Results Overall, calves had their first interaction with the brush within 2.5 days with a mean (SE) of 7 (±9.6) h after being transferred to group pens. A significant effect was determined for the interaction day by treatment on the time spent not-active and eating. Average not-active time was greater in CON compared to AB (22.8 ± 0.82 min/h vs. 21.7 ± 0.82 min/h), while eating time was greater in AB compared with CON (7.01 ± 0.40 min/h vs. 6.43 ± 0.40 min/h). Treatment groups had a similar weight gain and time to the first disease. Conclusions We concluded that the use of a mechanical brush influenced behavior, reducing not-active time, while increasing eating time. The consequences of this change in activity require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Velasquez-Munoz
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Diego Manriquez
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Sushil Paudyal
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Gilberto Solano
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Hyungchul Han
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, California Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Robert Callan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Juan Velez
- Aurora Organic Farms, Boulder, CO, 80302, USA
| | - Pablo Pinedo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
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Godyń D, Nowicki J, Herbut P. Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Pig Welfare-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9060383. [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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Giuliotti L, Benvenuti MN, Giannarelli A, Mariti C, Gazzano A. Effect of Different Environment Enrichments on Behaviour and Social Interactions in Growing Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9030101. [PMID: 30893928 PMCID: PMC6466348 DOI: 10.3390/ani9030101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pigs reared under intensive conditions are subjected to environmental stresses such as being unable to express some natural behaviours, like socialisation, exploring and rooting. For this reason, EU legislation requires farmers to employ suitable environmental enrichments in the pens. This study aimed at evaluating how different environmental enrichment tools (wooden logs either hanging or laying and hanging metal chains in pens) affected the behaviour of growing pigs. The results show a reduction in the incidence of aggressive/damaging interactions between animals in the pen where hanging wooden logs were placed. No significant effect on non-aggressive behaviours was noted in any of the investigated conditions. Abstract (1) Background: Pigs are active animals that require a suitable environment to be able to express their exploratory behaviour. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different environmental enrichments on the behaviour, social interactions, salivary cortisol concentration and body weight of pigs during the growing phase. (2) Methods: The investigation involved 75 pigs divided into three groups. The environmental enrichments were arranged as follows: Hanging metal chains for the control group; hanging metal chains and hanging logs for the second group; hanging metal chains and logs laying on the floor for the third group. Each group was video recorded twice a week for six weeks. The scan sampling technique was used. Salivary cortisol and live body weight were also recorded regularly. Parametric (ANOVA) and non-parametric statistics were used to analyse the data. (3) Results: Hanging logs were found to be more effective than logs laying on the floor at reducing aggression within the group tested, resulting in a more comfortable environment. Salivary cortisol concentration and growth did not show significant differences between the three groups. (4) Conclusions: The use of hanging logs affected some interactive patterns that resulted in decreasing the aggressive episodes of pigs, thereby providing a more comfortable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Novella Benvenuti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Giannarelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Mkwanazi MV, Kanengoni AT, Chimonyo M. Interaction effects of pen environment and sex on behavior, skin lesions and physiology of Windsnyer pigs. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 32:452-458. [PMID: 30840791 PMCID: PMC6409480 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.17.0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective The study was carried to determine the interaction effects of pen enrichment and sex on behavioral activities, skin lesions and physiology of Windsnyer pigs. Methods Forty-eight growing Windsnyer pigs of both sex, with an average initial body weight of 21.6 (±9.01) kg were used. Four pigs were randomly assigned to either enriched or barren pens at a stocking density of 0.35 m2/pig. Enriched pens contained 2 L bottles filled with stones and suspended at head level on ropes stretching across the pens. In addition, two plastic balls (90 mm in diameter) and 500 mL bottles (235 mm long) were placed on the floor of each enriched pen. Results Pigs in barren environments had higher heart rates (p<0.001) than those in enriched pens. There was an interaction of pen environment and sex on rectal temperature (p<0.001). Females in enriched pens had higher rectal temperatures (p<0.05) than females in barren pens. There was no interaction of pen environment and sex on time spent eating and drinking (p>0.05). Time spent bullying was influenced (p<0.05) by pen environment and sex. Female pigs in barren environment spent more time on bullying than females in enriched pens. There was an interaction of pen environment and sex on time spent lying down and walking (p<0.05). Female pigs in enriched pens spent more time lying down than females in barren pens. Males in barren pens spent more time walking than males in enriched pens while no effect of pen environment was observed in females. There was an interaction of pen environment and sex on the number of skin lesions in the head, neck and shoulder region and other parts of the body (p<0.05). Conclusion It was concluded that pen enrichment reduced the number of skin lesions and anti-social behaviors, especially for female pigs. There is a need, therefore of housing indigenous pigs under confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbusiseni Vusumuzi Mkwanazi
- Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01 Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
| | - Arnold Tapera Kanengoni
- Veterinary Services and Research Development, Joburg Zoo, Private Bag X 13, Parkview 2122, South Africa.,College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Florida 1709, South Africa
| | - Michael Chimonyo
- Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P Bag X01 Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
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