Original scientific paper

The influence of aromatized environmental enrichment objects with changeable aromas on the behaviour of weaned piglets.

Jacek Nowicki ; Department of Swine and Small Livestock Breeding, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
Sara Swierkosz ; Department of Swine and Small Livestock Breeding, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
Ryszard Tuz ; Department of Swine and Small Livestock Breeding, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
Tomasz Schwarz ; Department of Swine and Small Livestock Breeding, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland

Abstract

The aim of the study was firstly to check the aroma preferences of pigs, and on the basis of the best results the aromatized environmental enrichment objects were developed. Their effectiveness was tested in relation to aggressive behaviour. In the first stage of the experiment, 24 weaners (crossbreds of Polish Landrace and Polish Large White) were tested for aroma preferences (7 synthetic and natural flavours in perforated hanging containers). The pigs spent more time (P<0.05) near natural aromas of moist soil, grass and dried mushrooms, than synthetic vanilla, orange and strawberry aromas. Strawberry was the most popular synthetic fragrance. In the second part of the experiment, 36 weaner crossbreds of PL and PLW were divided into 3 groups, consisting of 12 animals each and were housed in pens: with additional flavoured components (chews - the smell of moist soil), odourless chews and without an additional object. The results showed that pigs used the aromatized objects with natural smells for longer than odourless objects (P<0.05) during days 1-9 and day 12. The interest in additional objects decreased with time, whereas the interest in aromatized objects remained at a higher level for the whole duration of the experiment. Changing the aroma after 14 days resulted in a significant rise in interest (time spent with and frequency) in the aromatized toy in comparison to odourless chews (duration 5.99 % vs. 0.23 % and frequency 26.46 vs. 6.07, respectively; P<0.01). It suggests that “novelty” is an important characteristic, increasing the attractiveness of an environment enriching object. Duration of agonistic behaviour was lower (P<0.05) during days 1-9 in pens equipped with aromatized objects in comparison to other systems.

Keywords

pigs; behaviour; environmental enrichment; aromas; aggression

Hrčak ID:

145324

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/145324

Publication date:

2.9.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 1.467 *