The Use of Ice to Enrich the Environment of Pigs Housed Indoors

Abstract

Pigs used in research are often housed in barren environments. The effects of ice as a simple enrichment tool for newly weaned pigs were investigated. Four replicates of 120 pigs were separated into 3 groups. One group was given free access to blocks of ice (ice group), another group had access to Classic Kong toys (Kong group), and a 3rd group did not receive any enrichment (control group). The behavior of each group was observed every 5 min from 08:00 hr to 12:00 hr during 4 consecutive days. Pigs were motivated to explore the ice blocks (4.85% ± 1.34) over the Classic Kong toys (2.03% ± 0.59). No differences in other behaviors were found between treatments. Ice is an effective and easy-to-replace enrichment device. Blocks of ice can be used as enrichment devices for pigs housed in research facilities.

Keywords::

• swine
• enrichment device
• welfare

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are indebted to Stephen Adolph for his assistance with the statistical analysis. We are grateful to David Morton for helpful editorial comments.

FUNDING

Vanessa Rizzo was supported by a Western University Student Summer Research Grant.