Original scientific paper

The effect of environmental enrichment objects on weight gain in weaned pigs.

Gordana Gregurić Gračner ; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ninoslav Šemiga ; Stočar Pig-Breeding Farm, Ltd., Varaždin, Croatia
Mario Ostović ; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Anamaria Ekert Kabalin ; Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Kristina Matković ; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Pavičić ; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of environmental enrichment objects on weight gain in weaned pigs. The study was carried out at two identical pig breeding farm weaner units during 60-day weaning period and included a total of 208 Topigs hybrid weaned pigs. The weaners were assigned to one of 5 treatments, i.e. control (n = 52) and 4 experimental treatments enriched with a car tyre on the floor, a hanging ball, a ball on the floor and a hanging chain, respectively (n = 39 each). The weaner body mass was determined on days 0, 30 and 60 post-weaning. Study results showed the weight gain to be significantly greater (P<0.05) in the experimental group with their environment enriched with a tyre as compared with either group with ball enrichment in the first half of the weaning period. During the same period, a significantly higher weight gain (P<0.05) was also recorded in the experimental group with their environment enriched with a hanging chain, as compared with the group enriched with a ball on the floor. Weight gain in the second half of the weaning period and total weight gain recorded from day 0 to day 60 was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the control group as well as in the groups enriched with a tyre or chain, as compared with both groups enriched with a ball. Accordingly, the effect of environmental enrichment with particular objects on weight gain in weaners depends on weaner age and type of objects, whereby ball as an enrichment object may prove effective in weight gain improvement.

Keywords

pigs; weight gain; environmental enrichment; animal welfare

Hrčak ID:

101990

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/101990

Publication date:

17.5.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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