Expert opinion on metal chains and other indestructible objects as proper enrichment for intensively-farmed pigs

PloS One
M B M Bracke, Paul Koene

Abstract

EC Directive 2001/93 requires that all pigs have access to proper investigation and manipulation materials. Intensively farmed pigs in Europe are frequently provided with a short metal chain with or without an indestructible object attached to the chain. To date authorities are regarding this as proper enrichment, perhaps with (in)direct reference to the RICHPIG model as a justification. However, it has become increasingly clear that the chains do not provide proper enrichment, and that adding an indestructible object to the end of the chain may even reduce rather than improve pig welfare. To test this hypothesis an expert survey was conducted containing 26 more or less compound questions. On a scale from 0 to 10 experts specified their level of agreement with the hypothesis, the prevalence and welfare scores of nine indestructible enrichment materials. In total 36 experts, mostly pig-welfare scientists, responded (response rate: 39%). Indestructible objects are less prevalent in countries that provide straw (like Sweden and the UK) and outside the EU (US). They are more prevalent in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Finland, while the prevalence seems to be low in Spain. Balls, wood and pipes were provided most frequently: ...Continue Reading

References

Feb 3, 2016·The Veterinary Journal·Mona Lilian Vestbjerg LarsenLene Juul Pedersen
Apr 5, 2016·The Veterinary Journal·Johan J Zonderland, Marlies A Zonderland-Thomassen
Oct 17, 2018·Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS·Samantha J WardFay E Clark

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Citations

Jan 31, 2020·Frontiers in Veterinary Science·Fiona C Rioja-LangCathy M Dwyer
Sep 25, 2019·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Nienke van StaaverenLaura Ann Boyle
Sep 1, 2019·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Anna Valros, Claire Barber
Oct 23, 2019·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Stephanie Buijs, Ramon Muns
May 24, 2019·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Heleen van de Weerd, Sarah Ison

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