Use of space and behavior of weaned piglets kept in enriched two-level housing system. Issue 3 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fels, Michaela; Lüthje, Franziska; Faux-Nightingale, Alice; Kemper, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied animal welfare science. Volume 21:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 267
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Two-level pen -- piglet -- environmental enrichment -- space allowance -- functional areas; Laboratory animals -- Periodicals; Animal welfare -- Periodicals; 636.0832
• DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2017.1409627
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1088-8705

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this study, the possibility of introducing an elevated platform to a piglet pen was explored as a way of increasing available space and creating functional areas. On the platform, nine different manipulable materials were offered. In four batches, 40 weaned piglets were kept for five weeks in the two-level pen. Video recordings were taken two days per week. In the afternoon, more piglets were on the platform than in the morning or at night (7.2 ± 0.1 vs. 4.9 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 piglets/5 minutes; p < .05). The area under the platform was preferred more in the morning and at night than in the afternoon (18.5 ± 0.1 vs. 21.6 ± 0.2 vs. 12.5 ± 0.1 piglets/5 minutes; p < .05). Up to 36 piglets were counted there simultaneously, mainly in the recumbent position. On and under the platform, air velocity and ammonia concentration were within the recommended ranges. The study concluded that a two-level pen is a feasible option to increase space allowance and to create functional areas in a piglet pen.