Kognitionsforskning i djurhållningen: grisars kognition och dess tillämpning vid slaktsvinshållning

Abstract: Pigs are often mentioned as relatively intelligent animals when compared to other nonhuman species. Despite this knowledge, the vast majority of pigs are kept under conditions that lack opportunities to satisfy their cognitive needs. Therefore, a need to evaluate the present scientific studies about pig cognition was acknowledged, in order to evaluate to what extent the knowledge is applied in the husbandry of finishing pigs. If a considerable lack of application was determined, suggestions about how to use the obtained information to improve pig welfare were also to be made. A synthesis of the present literature was made, and it could be concluded that a considerable amount of studies had been carried out in the present area. The pigs of today appear to have the same behavioural and cognitive needs as their ancestor, the wild boar. They have advanced learning abilities and a good spatial memory. It has also been concluded that pigs appear to possess episodic memory to some extent. They may also have a theory of mind, and can adjust their behaviour to conspecifics that are present. Pigs seem to be able to evaluate how their own behaviour can lead to different consequences. They also seem to understand the mechanisms behind a mirror, and are able to use it to assess and evaluate their surroundings. Overall, the present scientific studies have been able to determine several higher cognitive functions in pigs. Therefore, finishing pigs are most likely to get bored and potentially stressed in the traditional housing systems. Systems that allow pigs to express their mental needs to a higher extent are likely to increase pig welfare to a more acceptable level. In those cases where new, more psychologically suitable housing systems can not be adopted, at least some environmental enrichment should be provided in the pigs’ present environment. Straw appears to be the most suitable enrichment for the pigs’ cognitive needs, since it allows them to express their needs to explore and forage. The feed can also be provided in a more cognitively challenging way. One of the most important factors that contribute to how pigs are looked upon and treated is how it is seen as a species. Our language refer to pigs as dirty, dumb and mean animals, which likely affects the public view of the species in a more or less subconscious way. Most people today never get to interact which live pigs either, which makes it easier for them to keep a distance from the pigs that we consume. A wider spread of the science behind pigs cognitive abilities is most likely required to change the overall attitude towards them as a species. It may be one of the most important welfare applications for pigs in the long term.