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Article Dans Une Revue Animals Année : 2021

Compressed Brown Algae as a Potential Environmental Enrichment Material in Growing Pigs

Résumé

To prevent pigs from redirecting their exploratory natural behavior to their penmates, so as to prevent tail biting and promote pig welfare, the Council Directive 2008/120/EC has made environmental enrichment in pig farming mandatory. Possible enrichments can be varied: objects that are edible or not or bulk material. However, the enrichments need to be compatible with slatted floors, the main type of floor in pig housing. Here, we assessed the impact on pig welfare of a material made of an algae-based cylinder, compatible with slatted floors and edible, and which is categorized as suboptimal enrichment materials according to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/336 classification. The assessment was done in comparison with metal chains, an enrichment material commonly used in farms, and with wood logs, a bio-sourced object too. Enrichment material made from algae had no negative effect on pig health. Performance and body condition were similar between groups that were given different materials. When provided during the suckling period, the algae material did not appear to promote manipulating behavior in piglets after weaning. Regarding their characteristics, the algae cylinders can be categorized as suboptimal enrichment materials, although it does not significantly improve pig welfare when compared to a metal chain, which is categorized as a material of marginal interest.
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anses-04424060 , version 1 (29-01-2024)

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Françoise Pol, Adeline Huneau-Salaün, Sarah Gallien, Yannick Ramonet, Nicolas Rose. Compressed Brown Algae as a Potential Environmental Enrichment Material in Growing Pigs. Animals, 2021, 11 (2), pp.315. ⟨10.3390/ani11020315⟩. ⟨anses-04424060⟩

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