Pig behaviour during crowding : a study in organic and conventional herds
Abstract: Rearing in organic pig production differs from conventional rearing; pigs have outdoor access and larger space allowances. Regardless of production system all pigs are transported before slaughter and during transport pigs are crowded together in a new environment and in a space smaller than they are used to. As pigs in organic herds are reared at even larger space allowances than conventional pigs, such crowding could possibly have a stronger impact on pig behaviour and well-being. Six pig producing herds, three conventional and three organic, were visited and pigs from each herd were enclosed during 12 minutes in a test area corresponding to the crowding on a transport vehicle. During the crowding, pigs‟ behaviour was observed, before and after enclosure in the test area skin lesion scores were recorded, and also measures of heart girth (for weight estimation) was done. The results show that there are differences in how organic and conventional pigs‟ response to a crowded situation. Pigs in organic herds were more active, i.e. standing up (p=0.004), only pigs in conventional herds lied down during the test period. Moreover, organic pigs were more engaged in social tactile interactions (0.001>p<0.006), had higher vocalisation scores (p=0.002) and climbed the walls of the test area more (p<0.001) than conventional pigs. Conventional pigs had higher skin lesion scores than organic pigs before the study (p=0.013), but no difference in change during the enclosure was detected. The interviewed transporters had experienced behavioural differences between organic and conventional pigs; they regarded organic pigs as more active and agitated. However, whether this was regarded as positive or negative for their work was not consistent. In conclusion, pigs reared in organic herds vocalised more, were more active and performed a higher frequency of social interactions during crowding compared to pigs in conventional herds. This could indicate that pigs from organic herds have more difficulties, compared to pigs from conventional herds, to cope in crowded situations.
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