Preference Testing of Three Materials on Sows Prior to Farrowing.

Enrichment increases the ability of a sow to express innate behavior in a barren environment and can reduce aggressive behaviors, stress, and promote animal welfare. The objective of this study was to determine sow interaction with different types of enrichment materials provided before farrowing. A total of 11 sows were randomly assigned an enrichment combination of cardboard, paper, and banana leaves. Sows received two enrichment types, then enrichment was switched for the following day, until all combinations were completed. The enrichment material hung from 2x4 wood using ropes that hung the enrichment and chains placed in the ceiling of the farrowing room that held the 2x4 above the pen of each sow. Therefore, enrichment was placed within the nose reach of each sow. Enrichment material (113 g) was placed in the pens at 0700 h and left for 24 h each day before changing with another enrichment combination. Any enrichment material remaining was weighed. Final weight varied by treatment (P = 0.01), with sows consuming the least of cardboard (24.9 ± 10.0 g) and having an equal preference for banana leaves and paper (74.1 ± 10.0 g and 50.1 ± 11.3 g, respectively). Scan sampling was utilized to measure the frequency of interaction with the enrichments. The scans were designed with the first hour recording every minute a sow interacted with enrichment and the following 3 hours recording every 10 minutes. Continuous observation for the first hour of placement was performed for count data. Each time the sow made contact with the enrichment with her nose, the observation was recorded. The results of the behavior observation suggested that time in contact with enrichment did not differ (P > 0.05), nor did the number of times the pig-initiated contact with enrichment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, sow preference showed that bananas and papers were preferred over cardboard. However, sows will engage with any enrichment material provided before farrowing. Future research should be done to see if any environmental factors play a role in sow's preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]