Early socialisation in group lactation system reduces post-weaning aggression in piglets
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
Published on: June 10, 2013
Michaela Fels1, Lilith Schrey1, Sally Rauterberg1
1Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
Background:
Pre-weaning group housing for sows and their litters is expected to enhance animal welfare. However, knowledge of potential benefits of pre-weaning socialisation for piglets after weaning is still lacking.
Methods:
Weaner pigs were mixed in groups of 10, using littermates (LM) from pre-weaning group housing (Gr) and from farrowing pens with crates (Co). Groups were formed as follows: Gr/Gr (5 LM from Gr + 5 LM from Gr), Gr/Co (5 LM from Gr + 5 LM from Co), Co/Co (5 LM from Co + 5 LM from Co).
Results:
During 24 h after mixing, piglets in Co/Co fought more than in Gr/Co and Gr/Gr. Piglets in Co/Co had more unclear fighting results than in Gr/Co and Gr/Gr. Four days after mixing, piglets in Co/Co were more injured than in Gr/Co and Gr/Gr.
Conclusion:
Early socialised piglets may have better social skills when meeting familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics after weaning.
More Related Videos
07:02Providing Meaningful Environmental Enrichment and Measuring Saliva Cortisol in Pigs Housed on Slatted Flooring
Published on: September 30, 2019
07:59Transition of Farm Pigs to Research Pigs using a Designated Checklist followed by Initiation of Clicker Training - a Refinement Initiative
Published on: August 21, 2021