Pig behaviour during crowding
a study in organic and conventional herds
Rearing in organic pig production differs from conventional rearing; pigs have outdoor access and larger space allowances. Regardless of production system all pigs are transported before slaughter and during transport pigs are crowded together in a new environment and in a space smaller than they are used to. As pigs in organic herds are reared at even larger space allowances than conventional pigs, such crowding could possibly have a stronger impact on pig behaviour and well-being. Six pig producing herds, three conventional and three organic, were visited and pigs from each herd were enclosed during 12 minutes in a test area corresponding to the crowding on a transport vehicle. During the crowding, pigs? behaviour was observed, before and after enclosure in the test area skin lesion scores were recorded, and also measures of heart girth (for weight estimation) was done. The results show that there are differences in how organic and conventional pigs? response to a crowded situation. Pigs in organic herds were more active, i.e. standing up (p=0.004), only pigs in conventional herds lied down during the test period. Moreover, organic pigs were more engaged in social tactile interactions (0.001>p