Effective enrichments have been shown to reduce aggression and injuries,\u00a0and can be an effective tool to improve the management of group housed sows. This project set out to identify the most effective forms of\u00a0enrichment based on attractiveness, durability, and sustainability of a range
\nof enrichment objects. The objects identified as most effective within this study will be used in a future enrichment study. \u00a0Groups of 28 multi-parity sows and gilts were housed in walk in\/lock in
\nstalls with a partially slatted loafing area. Five treatments were examined\u00a0over five days, including: 1) a horizontal piece of wood (4\u201dx4\u201d), suspended\u00a0on chains between two posts; 2) a block of wood (18\u201dx 2\u201dx 4\u201d), attached to a\u00a0chain allowing the block to rest at a 450 angle; 3) three items (rope, chain, and\u00a0wood block) hung together on a chain; 4) straw provided in two metal racks;
\nand 5) straw placed on the solid floor at 300g\/day\/sow. \u00a0When looking at the overall interaction, the percentage of sows interacting\u00a0with enrichment items on day 1 far exceeded those on days 3 and 5. This\u00a0habituation response was expected. There was an increase in sows lying\u00a0down throughout the five day treatment with the swing, straw on the floor, \u00a0and straw in a rack treatment groups. Ranking the enrichment treatments\u00a0according to durability, safety, and sow attractiveness resulted in the\u00a0following ratings (first to last): straw on the floor, straw in a rack, three-item\u00a0enrichment, and the block of wood. Based on these results, the straw, cotton\u00a0rope and the wooden block treatments will be further examined in the next\u00a0phase of the study.<\/p>\n