Enrichment for sucker and weaner pigs

Providing young, developing pigs with a stimulating environment can be difficult in an economically viable enterprise.

Past research into enrichment has been obstructed by habituation, where pigs become bored with the stimulation provided within 24 hours. Two research projects studied the way piglets interact with enrichment blocks in their pens, as well as how providing enrichment may improve pigs’ cognitive development and their responses to weaning.

Value for producers:

• The development of simple enrichment devices may improve the health, wellbeing, and development of pigs.

Recommendations:

• Sucker pigs were not observed to interact with the enrichment blocks until they were about 25 days old, indicating there is no benefit to introducing a block earlier.
• Older sucker and weaner pigs interacted with the blocks until the experiment was concluded at 9 weeks.
• Enrichment blocks may provide piglets with an outlet for their natural curiosity and development, leading to the development of healthier adults and a reduced negative reaction to weaning.