Resposta comportamental de suínos nas fases de creche e crescimento em ambiente enriquecido

Abstract

This study aimed was to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment on the behavior of pigs. Three experiments were carried out. The first experiment aimed to evaluate the preference of pigs for the materials (destructible or not destructible) of the environmental enrichment object. The animals (n = 90) were distributed in a completely randomized design in three treatments. Behavioral analyzes were performed for three consecutive days in a continuous period of eight hours. Environmental enrichment objects made of destructible materials were more attractive to pigs. The second experiment was carried out to determine the pigs’ preferences for different colors of environmental enrichment objects. Three days of observations were performed for 8 hours/day, with 10-minute intervals. It was not possible to verify the preference of pigs for colors of objects of environmental enrichment. The third experiment aimed to investigate the influence of different aromas on the acceptance of environmental enrichment objects and the ability to extend the pig’s interest in them. Twenty-four animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (cloves, garlic, alternating and control) and six replicates each design. Six days of observations of 8 hours/each, at intervals of 10 minutes were performed. The garlic aroma showed repellent effect on the object of environmental enrichment. It was not possible to observe the effect of scents switching on keeping the animals’ interesting in the objects, since garlic aroma acted as a repellent.