Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Studies on wild boars have shown that piglets at 10 to 12 days of age can be introduced to pigs outside the litter without fighting. In today's production systems, the litters are kept in separate pens until weaning. At that point, the litter is divided and the piglets are placed together with piglets from other litters. This usually leads to aggressions among the piglets and may cause stress. This literature review aims to find out how piglets perceive other pigs in their surroundings. Which is the best way to guarantee a good start of the rearing period for the piglets?

Piglets who have been introduced to pigs outside the litter during the period of suckling will likely be less aggressive when introduced to new individuals later on. From an animal welfare point of view, it may therefore be concluded that it is better to let piglets socialize with pigs outside their litter at an early age. Each time a pig enters or leaves the group, a new social hierarchy has to be established. This usually causes aggression within the group. It is therefore best, when the time comes for slaughter, that all pigs from the group are sent simultaneously to the abattoir.