Enrichment can be easily overlooked. It is now listed in the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs that multiple forms of enrichment must be provided to improve their welfare. Enrichment reduces problematic behaviours like belly-nosing and tail-biting. It encourages normal pig behaviours and improves the living condition of pigs. Not only do the pigs benefit, but so do the producers. Stress is reduced in the animals and pig performance improves. They were also less afraid of humans which makes handling a lot easier. The areas that need the most attention in regard to enrichment are the nursery and finishing facilities. Guidelines for choosing enrichments are listed in the article. In order to hold the pigs’ interest, the objects must be regularly changed. In order to reduce aggression and damaging behaviours while increasing performance, enrichment should be implemented into barns.
Making Cents of Enrichment (full article)
