Enrichment to help enhance animal welfare is a requirement in the updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs. An accelerometer can measure the acceleration of enrichment objects, and therefore how much they are used. Some objects, like a ball, were used frequently but only for short periods of time, while others, like a piece of wood, was used for longer durations but less often. Pigs are engaged more in objects when they can be partially destroyed or easily manipulated. The pigs become bored with the objects fairly quickly so they should have access to multiple objects rotating in the pens to keep interest. Some toys are much more appealing than others as well, so implementing the proper ones will show more benefits to production.
Researchers Have a Ball Helping Pigs Play (full article)
