The use of different straw dispensers in weaned pigs

Pigs of all ages should have access to suitable materials, such as straw, to enable investigation and manipulation activities. Furthermore, the provision of these materials might prevent the development of harmful behavior, such as tail and ear biting. Current intensive housing systems with slatted floors however, impede the use of large quantities of these materials. Consequently, enrichment material can be provided in smaller quantities to avoid too much straw loss through the slatted floors. The aim of this study was to verify the use of straw dispensers filled with fully chopped straw in weaned pigs. During this study, two types of straw dispensers were presented to a total of 77 pigs. The first dispenser was a vertical tube (height: 70cm; width: 34cm) with one dispensing unit at the bottom (TUBE). The second dispenser consisted of a rectangular reservoir (height: 40cm; width: 80cm) with four levers at the bottom (RESERV). Both dispensers were positioned above the feed trough. A control group (n = 52) of pigs in barren pens without enrichment was also included in the study. Individual behavioral observations were carried out on three days per week, between 14:00h and 17:00h. Data were analyzed using logistic mixed models. The results show a higher straw use in presence of the straw reservoir (29.72g/pig/week) compared to the straw tube (6.20g/pig/week). Both dispensers seemed to decrease ear biting and aggressive behavior, as these behaviors were seen more frequently in control pens. Nosing pen mates was seen more frequently in pens with a reservoir. These pigs also tended to show more tail biting. The results from this study should however be interpreted carefully, as the dispensers were tested in only a limited number of animals.status: publishe