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Compressed Brown Algae as a Potential Environmental Enrichment Material in Growing Pigs
Françoise Pol1, Adeline Huneau-Salaün1, Sarah Gallien1
1Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, EPISABE Unit, ANSES, B.P. 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|January 30, 2021
Summary
Algae-based cylinders were tested as pig enrichment materials. While not negatively impacting pig health or performance, they showed no significant welfare improvement over metal chains.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Agricultural Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Barren housing necessitates enrichment for pig welfare.
- Algae-based cylinders were evaluated as a novel enrichment material for pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the suitability of algae cylinders as enrichment for pigs.
- To compare algae enrichment with metal chains and wood logs.
- To evaluate effects on behavioral, physiological, health, and productivity indicators.
Main Methods:
- 444 pigs across two batches were studied.
- Pigs received algae, wood, or chains as enrichment.
- Salivary cortisol measured stress levels post-transfer.
Main Results:
- Algae consumption varied between pens and batches.
- No significant differences in object manipulation, stress, health, or performance were found.
- Algae enrichment did not significantly improve pig welfare compared to metal chains.
Conclusions:
- Algae cylinders are suboptimal enrichment materials.
- They do not negatively affect pig health, performance, or body condition.
- Further research may be needed to enhance their welfare benefits.
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