Alternatives to nose-ringing in outdoor sows: the provision of a special rooting area

Abstract

Nose-ringing is commonly used in outdoor pig production to prevent pasture damage. However, nose-ringing causes acute stress at the time of ringing and inhibition of normal rooting behaviour (Horrell et al. 2001). Therefore alternatives to nose-ringing need to be investigated. Previous studies have focused on dietary modification as a way of reducing rooting behaviour and pasture damage (e.g. Braund et al. 1998). Although these methods helped to reduce rooting behaviour they were ineffective at decreasing long-term pasture damage. This experiment examined the effectiveness of providing a special, enriched rooting area in an attempt to reduce pasture directed rooting behaviour and consequently reduce overall pasture damage.

Effect of nose ringing and stocking rate of pregnant and lactating outdoor sows on exploratory behaviour, grass cover and nutrient loss potential

“…Thus, allocation of high-fibre diets (Braund et al, 1998;Edge et al, 2004), provision of sacrificial rooting areas (Bornett et al, 2003) separately or in combination (Edge et al, 2005) reduced the frequency of rooting behaviour but did not reduce paddock damage to an acceptable level. However, provision of a cool lying place and wallowing opportunities in a designated area during summer months decreased paddock damage significantly whereas a designated area with foraging possibilities but without a cool lying area did not (van der Mheen and Spoolder, 2005).…”