Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The interest in sorter scale systems for growing/fattening pigs has increased
during the last years among Swedish pig farmers. In these systems up to 500 pigs
are held in each group and in most cases the pen layout forces pigs to pass
automatic sorter scale for access the feeding area. The pigs’ weight is monitored
for every entry to the feeding area. Except for automatic training program
provided by the sorter scale manufacturer, pigs can either be manually trained or
the farmer can rely up on the pig’s own ability to navigate the system. However, if
pigs are not able to find the feed there is a high risk of decreased production as
well as reduced animal welfare. The domestic pig has a well-developed cognitive
ability and has proved to being able to navigate mazes as well as relocate feed.
There is a lack of knowledge if there is a need for manual training in the sorting
scale system. This study’s first aim is to compare trained and untrained pigs in
sorter scale systems. This part was compiled using data from a farm with
individual Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for the pigs. The second part
compares the pen design when manual trained pigs soon after moved to the
growing/fattening pigs’ stables. For this part three farms were visited within two
weeks after the pigs were moved to the sorter scale system, the pigs were
manually trained by two observers. Results shows that the manual training didn’t
have a large impact on gate passages, weight gain, final weight or rearing days.
Some differences could be seen when comparing gilts and barrows. However,
depending on pen design the effectiveness of the manual training differs
significantly. Building a funnel-shaped entrance to the sorter scale facilitates the
manual training. And building a wall with the possibility to close gates in the
middle of the resting area could also be beneficial. Even if the manual training
would be considered non crucial the design could have an impact on how easy it
is to handle individual pigs for other reasons than training.