Enhanced Early-Life Management Practices Boost Lifetime Performance in Pigs

Research from the University of Saskatchewan has revealed that strategic management changes during the early life of pigs can significantly enhance their welfare and performance throughout their lifetime. These findings were presented at the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium 2024 under the topic “Advancing Swine Welfare Practices: Outcomes and Future Directions from the NSERC Chair in Swine Welfare Research Program.”

Dr. Martyna Lagoda, Post Doctoral Fellow at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized that the developmental stage of pigs in early life is critical to their ability to cope with stress and challenges later in life.

Innovative Early-Life Strategies for Pig Welfare

Dr. Lagoda and her team implemented innovative management strategies to improve the early-life environment of pigs. These modifications included:

• Behavioral Enrichments: Providing chewable materials around creep feeders to support natural chewing behavior.
• Human Interaction: Encouraging stockpersons to spend positive time socializing with pigs to build trust and reduce stress.
• Enhanced Space: Increasing the space in farrowing crates, allowing pigs to develop critical social behaviors like conflict resolution and interaction with pen mates.

Impact on Productivity and Welfare

These adjustments led to measurable improvements in productivity and welfare:

• Growth Performance: Treated pigs showed higher average daily gains in the nursery phase, as well as improved lifetime performance indicators.
• Reduction in Tail Biting: A significant decrease in tail biting and tail lesions was observed, addressing a common welfare concern in swine production.
• Enhanced Behavioral Development: Pigs exhibited better social behaviors and reduced aggression, contributing to a more harmonious environment.

“Our findings highlight that even small changes in the early-life environment can have a profound impact,” Dr. Lagoda noted. “These practices not only improve the pig’s welfare but also enhance productivity, making them highly relevant to the industry.”

This research underscores the importance of adopting creative and practical approaches to swine management. By addressing early-life welfare, producers can achieve better outcomes for both animal health and operational efficiency.