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Prairie Swine Centre is an affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan
Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.
Financial support for the Enterprise Model Project and Pork Insight has been provided by:
Assessing Enrichment for Sows
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre, Production by student on June 19, 2018
Author: Victoria Kyeiwaa and Jennifer Brown, Ph.D
Publication: Centred on Swine, Winter 2016 Volume 22 Number 2
Summary:
Interest regarding enrichment for sows has steamed for revisions to the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs which includes, “multiple forms of enrichment that aim to improve the welfare of the animals”.
Studies have shown that when growing pigs are given appropriate enrichment they can benefit from reduced aggression, fewer behavioral vices, reduced fear and improved growth. It is anticipated that similar results can be expected with sows. This study will examine varying methods for effective environmental enrichment for group housed sows that will be economically viable in the swine industry.
Straw has been determined to be an effective form of enrichment for sows, however there is reluctance to use straw as it could pose a risk to biosecurity. This experiment will examine rope, small amounts of straw, and wood on chains to compare to a control treatment that is provided with no enrichment.
This study also considered the influence that social status will have on enrichment use in swine. This was done by focusing on six focal pigs, three that were dominant and three subordinate.
In addition, this study will also focus on if regular rotation will aid in keeping the animal interacting with the enrichment tool for longer as a common problem with enrichments is that animals lose interest over time.
Assessing Enrichments for Sows