Exposure to natural stray currents of low voltage affects the behaviour and some stress biomarkers of weaned piglets

Abstract

With the modernisation of pig breeding facilities, pigs may be exposed to both on-farm and off-farm sources of stray voltages. Data from ruminant species suggest that exposition to stray voltages may be a source of stress and impair animal welfare, but data are scarce for pigs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stray currents of voltages under 0.5 Volts in pig housing on piglet behaviours and some biomarkers after weaning. Two replicates of 820 piglets were reared in a farm naturally exposed to stray voltage for seven weeks. The difference in electrical potential between the floor and each drinker and feeder was measured every two weeks. Piglets exposed to high-voltage drinkers (HVD > 125 mV) spent more time orally manipulating pen mates (P = 0.0031). They also spent more time lying inactive with open eyes (P = 0.0027) and less time nosing pen mates (P = 0.043), but these effects were influenced by the voltage in feeders (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.024, respectively). Piglets exposed to high-voltage feeders (HVF > 50 mV) spent less time lying with their eyes closed (P = 0.024) and more time aggressing pen mates (P = 0.0081). Fifty days after entering the farm, blood hydroperoxide concentration was higher in piglets exposed to HVD (P = 0.039). The increase in socio-negative behaviours and oxidative stress in pigs exposed to stray voltages in pig housing suggested that stray voltages might have moderate detrimental consequences for piglets in post-weaning facilities.