Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences

Asian Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies (아세아태평양축산학회)
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Effects of environmental enrichment on behaviour, physiology and performance of pigs - A review

  • Mkwanazi, Mbusiseni Vusumuzi (Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal) ;
  • Ncobela, Cypril Ndumiso (Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal) ;
  • Kanengoni, Arnold Tapera (Veterinary Services and Research Department, Joburg Zoo) ;
  • Chimonyo, Michael (Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Received : 2017.02.21
  • Accepted : 2017.05.17
  • Published : 2019.01.01
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Abstract

This paper aims to critically analyse and synthesise existing knowledge concerning the use of environmental enrichment and its effect on behavior, physiology and performance of pigs housed in intensive production systems. The objective is also to provide clarity as to what constitutes successful enrichment and recommend when and how enrichment should be used. Environmental enrichment is usually understood as an attempt to improve animal welfare and to a lesser extent, performance. Common enrichment objects used are straw bedding, suspended ropes and wood shavings, toys, rubber tubings, colored plastic keys, table tennis balls, chains and strings. These substrates need to be chewable, deformable, destructible and ingestible. For enrichment to be successful four goals are essential. Firstly, enrichment should increase the number and range of normal behaviors; secondly, it should prevent the phenomenon of anomalous behaviors or reduce their frequency; thirdly, it should increase positive use of the environment such as space and fourthly it should increase the ability of the animals to deal with behavioral and physiological challenges. The performance, behavior and physiology of pigs in enriched environments is similar or in some cases slightly better when compared with barren environments. In studies where there was no improvement, it should be borne in mind that enriching the environment may not always be practical and yield positive results due to factors such as type of enrichment substrates, duration of provision and type of enrichment used. The review also identifies possible areas that still need further research, especially in understanding the role of enrichment, novelty, breed differences and other enrichment alternatives.

Keywords

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