Abstract
This study investigates the effect of different LED lighting colour temperatures on the preference behaviour of 4-week-old weaned piglets. A total of 32 piglets were housed in two replications in an experimental pen area with four identically equipped pen compartments connected two by two. Each pen unit offered a compartment set to a colour temperature of 3000 kelvin and another set to 6500 kelvin, at 80 lux during the day. Each piglet could freely choose between the two compartments by using a passageway. Over a period of five weeks, the behaviours “lying”, “eating” and “activity” were video recorded for 72 h during the 1st, 3rd and 5th week of the experiment. The location of the piglet in the pen and its behaviour were determined by using time sampling. In the first week, the piglets preferred the colour temperature of 3000 K to perform all behaviours. In the following weeks this preference decreased. Results also show that feed consumption and soiling of the pens were higher under 6500 K. Pigs can differentiate between the different colour temperatures and use them for different behaviours. This can be used to divide pens into functional areas in order to better suit the behavioural needs of pigs.
Highlights
The effect of lighting environment on pig performance and welfare has been poorly investigated and clear recommendations are lacking
In Australia and New Zealand, this value is further reduced to a minimum of 20 lux over a period of 9 h [3,4]
This study highlighted that pigs can discriminate between two light-emitting diode (LED) light colour temperatures of
Summary
The effect of lighting environment on pig performance and welfare has been poorly investigated and clear recommendations are lacking. The German animal welfare legislation describes as uniform lighting requirements for housing pigs, an illuminance of at least 80 lux over a period of 8 h [1], while a level of at least 40 lux over a period of 8 h is required in the EU Directive. In the United States, on the other hand, the minimal recommended value arises to 100 lux [5]. None of these recommendations are based on sufficient scientific evidence. Neither are there recommendations for a maximum upper limit for the illuminance, which under
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