Growing Pigs' Interest in Enrichment Objects with Different Characteristics and Cleanliness

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ethology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Enrichment objects are crucial for providing rooting and chewing materials for growing pigs, enabling species-specific behaviors.
• The challenge lies in developing practical, low-cost enrichment solutions that meet pigs' behavioral needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of enrichment object characteristics (design, location, cleanliness, wear) on pigs' interest over time.
• To identify optimal enrichment designs for growing pigs based on behavioral interaction.

Main Methods:

• Two trials were conducted with growing pigs (Trial 1: 7 objects, 12 pigs/group; Trial 2: preference tests).
• Behavioral interest was measured by frequency, duration, and length of object manipulation.
• Objects varied in design, location, material (polyurethane, wood, rope, plastic, rubber), and maintenance (cleanliness/wear).

Main Results:

• Pigs interacted more frequently with a spring-mounted polyurethane ball object and spent more time manipulating a destructible, chewable dried wood beam.
• Interactions varied significantly based on object characteristics, with destructible and chewable items preferred over suspended ropes, plastics, and rubber.
• No significant preference was observed between clean/replaced objects and untouched controls, suggesting short-term maintenance may be unnecessary.

Conclusions:

• Destructible and chewable enrichment objects, such as dried wood beams and specific ball designs, are more engaging for growing pigs.
• Object design and material are key factors influencing pig interaction, more so than short-term cleanliness or wear.
• Practical, low-cost enrichment strategies should prioritize engaging, destructible materials to satisfy pigs' behavioral needs.