Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate the effects of single or mixed sex fattening of boars and split marketing (SM) on pig welfare. Female (n = 10), male (n = 10) and mixed sex (n = 10) groups were fattened to 105 kg. Two focal pigs per pen were selected for continuous behaviour observations and skin lesion inspections. Aggressive and sexual behaviours were recorded during feeding. One week prior to slaughter the three heaviest pigs in half of the pens were marketed. There was more sexual behaviour in mixed and male groups. However, there was less agonistic behaviour in mixed and female compared to male groups. SM male groups tended to have higher lesion scores than non-SM male groups. There was more mounting in non-SM mixed groups than in both SM and non-SM female groups. The welfare of boars was improved in mixed sex groups but females fared better in single sex groups. Split marketing reduced the welfare of pigs in male groups but improved pig welfare in mixed groups.
Highlights
In Ireland, pigs were traditionally slaughtered at low weights and at a young age, which facilitated the rearing of boars
There was a significant interaction between treatment and split marketing on skin lesion scores at 105 kg (P < 0.05)
There was more mounting in male and mixed compared to female groups at all weights (P < 0.05)
Summary
In Ireland, pigs were traditionally slaughtered at low weights and at a young age, which facilitated the rearing of boars. Slaughter weights are increasing and this is associated with an increased risk of boar taint [1] and welfare problems [2]. Changes in management and housing practices to facilitate rearing of heavy boars need to be investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate the welfare of pigs of both sexes in single or mixed sex groups and to evaluate effects of split marketing on pig welfare
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