Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) raised under natural conditions can show their complete behavioural repertoire. However, rooting behaviour can have a great impact on the environment. In the context of the promotion of farm animal welfare and environmental concerns, this study investigated the potential of nose-clips as a less invasive alternative to nose-rings for the management of rooting behaviour of free-ranging pigs. We collected behavioural data and salivary cortisol levels on two groups: an experimental group (n = 17) with nose-clips and a control group (n = 17) without nose-clips. After the nose-clipping, we observed a temporary increase in anxiety-related behaviour and cortisol levels during the 1st week, followed by a return to pre-application levels in the following weeks. We found a temporary decrease in affiliative interactions involving the nose during the 1st week after the application of nose-clips, whereas no differences in affiliative interactions without nose contact and aggression levels were observed. Moreover, nose-clips effectively reduced destructive excavation behaviours, without leading to a simultaneous increase in other exploratory behaviours. In conclusion, our findings show that nose-clips could be a solution that mitigates destructive rooting while preserving social interactions and animal welfare. Further research is essential to consolidate these findings and assess the long-term implications of this approach.
NOSE-CLIP USE IN SEMI-FREE RANGING PIGS REDUCES ROOTING WITHOUT DISRUPTING AFFILIATIVE BEHAVIOUR OR CAUSING PROLONGED STRESS
Collarini, E.;Olga Dal Monte;Mecarelli, E.;Medana, C.;Visentin, Sonja.;Cordoni, G.
;Norscia, I.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) raised under natural conditions can show their complete behavioural repertoire. However, rooting behaviour can have a great impact on the environment. In the context of the promotion of farm animal welfare and environmental concerns, this study investigated the potential of nose-clips as a less invasive alternative to nose-rings for the management of rooting behaviour of free-ranging pigs. We collected behavioural data and salivary cortisol levels on two groups: an experimental group (n = 17) with nose-clips and a control group (n = 17) without nose-clips. After the nose-clipping, we observed a temporary increase in anxiety-related behaviour and cortisol levels during the 1st week, followed by a return to pre-application levels in the following weeks. We found a temporary decrease in affiliative interactions involving the nose during the 1st week after the application of nose-clips, whereas no differences in affiliative interactions without nose contact and aggression levels were observed. Moreover, nose-clips effectively reduced destructive excavation behaviours, without leading to a simultaneous increase in other exploratory behaviours. In conclusion, our findings show that nose-clips could be a solution that mitigates destructive rooting while preserving social interactions and animal welfare. Further research is essential to consolidate these findings and assess the long-term implications of this approach.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
---|---|---|---|
pig_welfare.pdf
Accesso aperto
Descrizione: articolo
Tipo di file:
PDF EDITORIALE
Dimensione
1.12 MB
Formato
Adobe PDF
|
1.12 MB | Adobe PDF | Visualizza/Apri |
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.