title: The use of ice to enrich the environment of pigs housed indoors.
abstract: Pigs used in research are often housed in barren environments. The effects of ice as a simple enrichment tool for newly weaned pigs were investigated. Four replicates of 120 pigs were separated into 3 groups. One group was given free access to blocks of ice (ice group), another group had access to Classic Kong toys (Kong group), and a 3rd group did not receive any enrichment (control group). The behavior of each group was observed every 5 min from 08:00 hr to 12:00 hr during 4 consecutive days. Pigs were motivated to explore the ice blocks (4.85%±1.34) over the Classic Kong toys (2.03%±0.59). No differences in other behaviors were found between treatments. Ice is an effective and easy-to-replace enrichment device. Blocks of ice can be used as enrichment devices for pigs housed in research facilities.
authors.affiliation: a College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences.
authors.forename: Jose M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Peralta
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rizzo
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D006799:Housing, Animal; D007053:Ice; D010988:Play and Playthings; D013552:Swine / Q000523:psychology*; D014886:Weaning
chemical_list: D007053:Ice
keywords: enrichment device; swine; welfare