scholarly journals Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on behaviour and live weight in growing rabbits

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Zucca ◽  
S.P. Marelli ◽  
Veronica Redaelli ◽  
Eugenio Heinzl ◽  
Heidi Cardile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Live Weight

scholarly journals Straw or hay as environmental improvement and its effect on behaviour and production traits of fattening pigs

2008 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 549-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Jordan ◽  
S. Žgur ◽  
G. Gorjanc ◽  
I. Štuhec
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Lean Meat ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Fattening Pigs

Abstract. Fattening pigs are commonly kept in intensive housing systems with slatted floor which represent a very barren environment, causing poor animal welfare. To improve such conditions a small amount of straw or hay (100 g per animal per day laid daily in a rack) was used in our study as an environmental enrichment (EE). Two replications, each including 96 fattening pigs of both sexes (3 pens of 16 females and 3 pens of 16 male castrates) from 60 kg to slaughter at average 96 kg live weight, were used to test the effect of EE and sex on behaviour, growth rate, and carcass composition. EE significantly increased the proportion of total activity during the illumination period (between 6 a. m. and 2 p. m.) on account of increased occupation with substrate (P<0.01). EE also significantly reduced time spent biting pen bars and frequency of aggressive encounters (P<0.01). The EE increased total activity in female animals during the observation period, but not in male castrates. None of the EE significantly influenced pigs‘ growth rate and lean meat percentage; however females in enriched environment grew slower and had greater lean meat percentage than the castrated males. Provision of a small amount of straw or hay to pigs in intensive housing systems can enrich barren environment in inexpensive and efficient way. Therefore such enrichment can be widely used also in large commercial pig production systems.

Effect of social group size and initial live weight on feeder space requirement of growing pigs given food ad libitum

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.P. Turner ◽  
M. Dahlgren ◽  
D.S. Arey ◽  
S.A. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Space Requirement ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Feeder Space

AbstractFeeder space allowance should be sufficient to ensure adequate access to food for all group members, irrespective of competitive ability. However, the influence of social group size on minimum feeder space requirement of pigs given food ad libitum is poorly understood. Performance, aggression and feeding behaviour were assessed over a 6-week period from 29·3 (s.e. 0·19) kg live weight, using four replicates of a 2 ✕ 2 factorial design with two group sizes (20 v. 80) (small and large) and two feeder space allowances (32·5 v. 42·5 mm per pig) (low and high). Food intake was significantly lower in the low feeder space allowance treatments (1·44 v. 1·56 (s.e.d. 0·050) kg per pig per day, P < 0·05) and group mean growth rate was reduced in the later phase between 41 and 56 kg live weight. There was no main effect of group size or interactive effect between group size and feeder space allowance on performance. Mean skin lesion score and the frequency of aggression given or received at the feeders was unaffected by treatment. Heavy weight pigs showed similar feeding behaviour in each treatment, but light pigs visited the feeder more frequently in groups of 20 (23·1 v. 16·0 (s.e.d. 2·04) visits per pig per day, P < 0·05) and spent the greatest time feeding when at a low feeder space allowance (5461 v. 4397 (s.e.d. 288·8) s per pig per day, P < 0·05). To avoid a depression in growth rate, pigs >40 kg should be allocated a minimum feeder space allowance of 42·5 mm per pig. There was little indication of a need to specify differential feeder space allowances according to group size.

Management strategies to maximize pigmeat output: effect of group size and split-marketing

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. O'Connell ◽  
P. B. Lynch ◽  
J. V. O'Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Food Conversion ◽  
Food Conversion Ratio ◽  
2D And 3D

AbstractTwo experiments were completed with grower-finisher pigs to determine if pigmeat output, as measured by carcass gain per m2 per year, could be increased, by 1: increasing group size or 2: split-marketing pen groups. In experiment 1, 390 pigs (mean initial live weight 36·7 (s.d. 1·99) kg) were assigned to one of three treatments each with 10 replicates: 11, 13 or 15 pigs per single-sex group in pens measuring 11·04 m2. Space allowance was 1·00, 0·85 and 0·74 m2 per pig, respectively. Pelleted food was provided ad libitum. There were no differences (P > 0·05) between group sizes in growth rate, food intake, food conversion ratio, carcass growth and carcass food conversion ratio, backfat and muscle depth or carcass lean content. Pigmeat output per unit area increased with each increase in group size (234, 279 and 314 kg/m2 per year for 11, 13 and 15 pigs: P < 0·001). In experiment 2, 26 groups of 13 pigs (mean initial live weight 38·3 (s.d. 2·15) kg) were assigned to one of three treatments: 1D - group sold on 1 day (no. = 9), 2D - group sold over 2 days (14 days apart, no. = 10), or 3D - group sold over 3 days (each 7 days apart, no. = 7). Pigs were given a standard liquid diet three times daily. No differences (P > 0·05) were observed between treatments for overall growth rate, food intake, food conversion ratio, carcass weight, carcass lean content, backfat and muscle depth, carcass growth and carcass food conversion ratio or killing-out proportion of pigs. Split-marketing increased cycle length (67·7, 75·9 and 76·8 days for 1D, 2D and 3D, respectively; P < 0·001). Live and carcass daily growth rates per pig place decreased with increase in number of sale days (live: 772, 680, 670 g/day and carcass: 658, 575, 571 g/day; P < 0·001). Carcass gain per unit area decreased in split-marketed groups (358, 318, 312 kg/m2 per year for 1D, 2D and 3D, respectively: P < 0·05). Carcass weight variation (s.d.) within pen decreased with each increase in number of sale days (s. d. 5·28, 3·81 and 1·74, respectively; P < 0·001). In conclusion, pigmeat output, as measured by carcass gains per m2 per year, was improved with increase in group size and by marketing all pigs in a group on a single day.

scholarly journals 47. Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on the water use and waste in grower-finisher pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Shilpi Misra ◽  
Eddie A.M. Bokkers ◽  
John Upton ◽  
Amy J. Quinn ◽  
Keelin O'Driscoll
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Environmental Enrichment

The effect of three stocking rates of pigs housed in identical-sized pens on performance

1983 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. G. Mitchell ◽  
H. D. Keal ◽  
R. J. Pittman
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Feeding Experiment ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Rate Of Growth ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
Weight Groups

ABSTRACTA feeding experiment was carried out to assess the effect on performance of three stocking rates in identical-sized pens with pigs growing from 25 to 60 kg live weight. Groups of 8,10 and 12 pigs per pen, 300 pigs in total, were used with lying plus exercise space allowances of 0·61, 0·49 and 0·41 m2 per pig respectively and an additional dunging area in each pen of 2·7 m2. There were no significant differences in rate of growth, food: gain ratio, days to slaughter or carcass backfat measurements. With 12 pigs per pen, the pigs tended to be dirtier and cleaning out of pens was more difficult. It was concluded that under the conditions prevailing a group size of 10 pigs gave the stocking rate of choice.

scholarly journals Effects of Randomly Fired Underwater Currents as an Occupational Enrichment Program in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 3057
Author(s):  
Morris Villarroel ◽  
Genaro C. Miranda-de la Lama ◽  
Rubén Bermejo-Poza ◽  
Concepción Pérez ◽  
Elisabet González-de Chávarri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Constant Current ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Occupational enrichment (OE) is directed at introducing variations in the tank water so that fish can exercise as they do in the wild. Two trials were carried out to test the effects of randomly fired underwater currents (RFC) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) maintained in tanks in a recirculation system, using 1226 trout distributed in two independent trials. In Trial 1, fingerling trout (n = 6 tanks, n = 40 fish per tank) were classified into two groups based on low (13%) or high (30%) coefficient of variation in live weight (CV), and exposed to RFC or no currents (controls). In Trial 2, adult trout (n = 12 tanks, n = 20 fish per tank) were either exposed to RFC or to a constant current (controls) from two submerged pumps. Both trials lasted four weeks. No significant differences in growth were observed between treatments in either trial. In Trial 1, RFC fish maintained a similar CV throughout the trial, while CV decreased in controls. Also, in Trial 1, plasma cortisol levels were higher and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels lower in tanks with a low initial CV. In Trial 2, the CV was lower in RFC trout, where cortisol levels were also significantly lower and triglycerides significantly higher. The results suggest that OE using RFC can have positive effects by helping to reduce stress levels, and provides fish with biologically meaningful environmental enrichment related to the natural history of the species.

scholarly journals 8 Effect of group size during the nursery period on wean-to-finish growth performance in a PRRS positive population of pigs

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 3-4
Author(s):  
Heath M Harper ◽  
Rachel Schmitt ◽  
Michael Ellis ◽  
Caleb M Shull ◽  
Clint R Schwab
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Commercial Practice ◽  
Large Groups ◽  
Positive Population

Abstract It is common commercial practice in wean-to-finish facilities to pin pigs in large groups during the nursery phase. The effect of overstocking on wean-to-finish performance has been studied; however, there is limited information on the effect of group size during the nursery period on overall growth performance, particularly in PRRS positive populations. This study was carried out using a RCBD (blocking factor date of start of test) to evaluate the effect of 3 nursery group size treatments (61, 79, and 96 pigs/pen) on wean-to-finish growth performance (from 6.0 ± 0.10 to 122.2 ±0.8kg BW) in a PRRS positive population. During the 7-wk nursery period, when the group-size treatments were applied, pigs were housed in mixed-sex pens; floor space for all treatments was 2.4ft2/pig. After the nursery period, pigs on all treatments were housed in groups of 34 at a floor space of 6.5ft2/pig. A total of 3,672 pigs in 12 replicates were used. Pen of pigs was the experimental unit; data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with the model including fixed effect of group size treatment and random effects of block and replicate. During the period from weaning to wk 7 post-weaning, when the group size treatments were applied, growth rate and live weight was lower (P < 0.05) for the largest group size (96 pigs) than for the 2 smaller group sizes (61 and 79 pigs). However, subsequently from wk 7 to end of test and for the overall wean-to-finish growth performance was similar (P > 0.05) for the 3 group size treatments. This study showed that group size (at the same floor space) had an effect on growth performance in the nursery period but had no effect on overall wean-to-finish growth performance in PRRS positive pigs.

scholarly journals Effect of Environmental Enrichment and Herbal Compounds-Supplemented Diet on Pig Carcass, Meat Quality Traits, and Consumers’ Acceptability and Preference

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolau Casal ◽  
Maria Font-i-Furnols ◽  
Marina Gispert ◽  
Xavier Manteca ◽  
Emma Fàbrega
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Feeding System ◽  
Valeriana Officinalis ◽  
Herbal Compound ◽  
Passiflora Incarnata

Animal welfare can be considered an ethical attribute of product quality, but consumers should appreciate its added value. The aim of this study was to evaluate consumer’s acceptability, preference, and the meat and carcass quality of pigs reared with two stress-reducing strategies: supplementation of an herbal compound (HC) containing Valeriana officinalis and Passiflora incarnata, and environmental enrichment (EE) by the provision of hemp ropes, sawdust, and rubber balls. A total of 56 pigs were divided in four treatments in two pens of seven pigs per treatment (2 × 2 factorial design). Meat and carcass quality were evaluated. Consumer’s acceptability and preference were analysed with a sensory test and a conjoint analysis in 110 consumers. Before slaughter, control pigs (no EE and no HC) presented lower live weight compared with other treatments (p = 0.0009). Although acceptance was the same for all of the treatments, consumers preferred systems aiming to increase pig welfare. The most important factor was production system, with a preference for those improving welfare, followed by feeding system, with a preference for those with natural herbs supplementation. Although price was the least important factor, a segment of consumers showed a clear preference for lower prices. These results suggest that welfare improvements could be appreciated by particular consumer segments.

scholarly journals Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on the water use and waste in grower-finisher pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpi Misra ◽  
Eddie A. M. Bokkers ◽  
John Upton ◽  
Amy J. Quinn ◽  
Keelin O’Driscoll
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Water Usage ◽  
High Enrichment ◽  
And Performance ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Large Groups ◽  
Reduced Water ◽  
Different Levels

AbstractThe grower-finisher stage accounts for 64% of the total on-farm herd water use. Part of this is consumed by the pigs, but a part is also wasted. Drinking water usage and wastage is affected by different factors. We investigated how different group sizes and different levels of enrichment affect water usage (ingested plus wasted), water wastage, behavior and performance in grower-finisher pigs. Pigs (n = 672), 11 weeks of age (77 ± 2 days) were used for the experiment. The effect of group size: SMALL (12 pigs), MEDIUM (24 pigs), and LARGE (48 pigs) was assessed across two levels of enrichment (LOW—wooden post, hanging rubber toy, HIGH—Same as LOW + fresh grass). There was no effect of group size on water use or wastage. Pigs with HIGH enrichment (10.4 ± 0.4 L/pig/day) used less water than LOW enrichment (11.0 ± 0.4 L/pig/day; p < 0.001). The water wastage/drinker/hour was lower in pens with HIGH enrichment than LOW (p = 0.003). The drinking bout number (p = 0.037) and total occupancy/hour (p = 0.048) was also higher for pens with LOW than HIGH enrichment. Aggressive and harmful behaviour were performed less in LARGE groups and pens with HIGH enrichment. Thus, HIGH enrichment allowance reduced water usage and wastage so may have benefits for the environment, as well as animal welfare.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document