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.
2025
19
1
12
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751731124003410?via=ihub
Anxiety; Extensive farming; Habitat destruction; Social dimension; Sus scrofa
Collarini, E.; Olga Dal Monte; Traversa, M.; Mecarelli, E.; Medana, C.; Visentin, Sonja.; Cordoni, G.; Norscia, I.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/2047305
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