Behaviour of 3-week weaned pigs in Straw-Flow(R), deep straw and flatdeck housing systems

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ethology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Assessing housing systems for weaned pigs is crucial for welfare and productivity.
• The Straw-Flow system is a novel housing option for young pigs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of the Straw-Flow housing system for 3-week weaned pigs.
• To compare pig behavior and welfare in the Straw-Flow system versus traditional housing.

Main Methods:

• Weaned pigs were housed in four systems: deep-straw, Straw-Flow, large flatdeck, and small flatdeck.
• Behavioral observations were conducted from weaning (6.4 kg) to grower phase (19.6 kg) and continuing to slaughter (90.6 kg).
• Stocking densities and provision of lying areas varied across the systems.

Main Results:

• Pigs in systems with straw (deep-straw and Straw-Flow) exhibited more straw-directed behavior and less abnormal behavior (pig-directed, pen-directed) than those in barren pens.
• Behavioral differences between deep-straw and Straw-Flow were linked to straw availability.
• Pigs from barren systems showed increased rooting behavior after transfer to grower pens, but other weaner treatment differences did not persist.

Conclusions:

• The Straw-Flow system is a suitable housing option for weaned pigs, supporting behaviors indicative of good welfare.
• Incorporating straw into housing systems positively influences pig behavior and welfare.
• Housing design significantly impacts the behavioral patterns of weaned pigs.