Effects of Nutritional Enrichment on Pig Feeder Aggression and Performance During Early Weaning

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect a novel nutritional “biscuit” on weaned pig feeder aggression and performance. Eighty mixed-sex pigs, 19 24 days age, were randomly allocated 8 pens (10 pigs/pen). Pens assigned 1 4 treatments: (1) biscuit with fecal semiochemical attractant, (2) sugary (3) no attractant (positive control), (4) (negative control). Each pen received biscuits suspended from 2 ropes at for first 7 after weaning. Pig aggressive behavior recorded. Descriptive data including frequency (number) duration (seconds) interactions, average daily gain, feed intake, score evaluated. negative control treatment had less than enrichment treatments. On average, events around between all treatments second range < 21 seconds. During days, pigs receiving positive consumed most when compared other Overall, providing did not result in increased removal due interactions. Additionally, that provided promising early intake. At time where consumers are asking questions concerning pig’s quality life enriching their living environment, feeders within each may be way provide an enhanced environment.