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The influence of a barrier on the behaviour and growth of early-weaned piglets

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

N. K. Waran  and
D. M. Broom
N. K. Waran
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES
D. M. Broom
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES
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Abstract

When designing environments for animals, the quality of space as well as the amount of space should be considered. In this study the influence of an opaque barrier on the aggressive behaviour and growth of Large White Χ Landrace piglets that were weaned at 24 days was examined. The behaviour and weight gain of 120 piglets were recorded during a 4-week period following weaning. These piglets were housed in either a conventional flat-deck pen or a straw pen, with or without an opaque barrier. There was no significant difference between the two types of accommodation in the frequency of aggressive interactions that occurred during the weaning period but where a barrier was present the frequency of aggressive interactions was 40% lower during the 1st week after weaning and growth rate was proportionately 0·15 greater. Piglets that were the recipients of most aggressive behaviour used the barrier most frequently during the weaning period and barrier users gained the most weight during the week immediately following weaning.

It was concluded that a barrier improved the weaning environment because it offered piglets an escape route during the period when most aggressive interactions occurred. A barrier may be an effective way of improving the welfare of animals housed in confined conditions.

Keywords

behaviourgrowthpigletsweaning
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 56 , Issue 1 , February 1993 , pp. 115 - 119
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1993

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