Double-spaced feeders show promise in reducing aggressive pig behaviour

This behaviour is influenced by genetics, gender, age, health, environment, stocking density, temperature, floor type, feeding system, and feed type. Due to pigs’ inclination for foraging and exploring, feed competition stands out as a significant risk factor for aggressive and damaging actions. In a recent study, researchers from Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Ireland, and UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Ireland investigated the potential of double-spaced feeders in mitigating such behaviour from weaning to slaughter.

The study involved 288 pigs, ranging from weaning to slaughter age. The team tagged and weighed the pigs individually at weaning, with pigs remaining in their original litter groups. They randomly assigned litters to single- or double-spaced feeder pens. Single-spaced pens allowed 1 pig to feed at a time, while double-spaced pens facilitated feeding for 2 pigs simultaneously.

The researchers provided enrichment materials. They measured parameters such as daily gain, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, feeding behaviour, and competitive behaviour during feeding, They also recorded the occurence of tail, ear, and flank lesions. Carcass quality measures such as weight, lean meat percentage, muscle percentage, and fat percentage were recorded at the slaughterhouse.

Impact of feeder space on pig performance

Feeder space did not significantly affect live weight, daily gain, or feed intake. However, pigs in double-spaced feeder pens exhibited a better feed conversion ratio, indicating improved efficiency in less competitive conditions.

Impact of feeder space on carcass measures at slaughter

Using single-space feeders increased lean meat yield and kill-out yield, but had no effect on carcass quality at slaughter.

Impact of feeder space on feeding behaviour

Double-spaced feeders had a higher occupancy, shorter feeding bout durations, and more feeding bouts compared to single-spaced feeders.

Impact on competitive behaviour associated with feeding

Double-spaced feeders resulted in fewer instances of fighting, head knocking, body biting, and non-biting behaviour, indicating reduced aggression and competition during feeding. However, they also experienced more tail-biting outbreaks, leading to a higher incidence of tail damage and an increased percentage of damaged tails compared to single-spaced feeders. Nonetheless, the rate of increase in pigs with partial or complete missing tails was slower in double-spaced feeders.

Increasing feeder occupancy reduces feed competition

The research study concludes that increasing feeder occupancy through double-spaced feeders reduces feed competition, subsequently decreasing aggressive and damaging behaviors in weaner and finisher stages. However, it is important to note that this management strategy alone did not effectively reduce tail-biting behaviour compared to pens with standard single-spaced feeders.