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Do early life experiences influence ear necrosis development in weaned pigs?
L Markland1, K O'Driscoll2, F C Leonard3
1Pig and Poultry Research and Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland; School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
|October 30, 2025
Summary
Frequent handling of piglets before weaning increased mild ear necrosis, but weaning aggression did not cause ear necrosis. Further research is needed to understand the complex factors influencing pig ear health.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Ear necrosis is a significant welfare issue in weaned pigs, with poorly understood causes and risk factors.
- Management practices like handling and mixing are suspected contributors to ear necrosis.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for improving pig welfare and reducing economic losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of frequent preweaning handling and postweaning mixing on ear necrosis development in pigs.
- To assess the relationship between early life stress, ear scratches, and the incidence of ear necrosis.
- To evaluate the effects of these management practices on piglet growth and overall welfare.
Main Methods:
- 37 litters were randomly assigned to Control or Handled groups, with Handled piglets experiencing additional handling sessions before weaning.
- At weaning, pigs were housed in either Un-mixed (litter groups) or Mixed (multi-litter) pens.
- Measurements included preweaning diarrhea scores, fecal cortisol levels, postweaning ear scratches, ear necrosis scores, and growth performance up to 43 days postweaning.
Main Results:
- Handling increased preweaning diarrhea scores and the prevalence of mild ear necrosis postweaning.
- Mixed pigs exhibited more ear scratches, but Un-mixed groups had higher ear necrosis prevalence.
- Ear scratches at weaning were not correlated with subsequent ear necrosis, and neither handling nor mixing affected overall growth, though pigs with ear necrosis had reduced average daily gain.
Conclusions:
- Weaning aggression-induced ear scratches do not appear to be a primary cause of ear necrosis.
- Preweaning handling contributes to mild ear necrosis, indicating early life stress is a factor.
- The development of moderate to severe ear necrosis likely involves multiple, complex factors beyond the scope of this study.
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