National Ag News
Reducing pig aggression in group housing
An animal behavior specialist is researching how genetics and management practices can reduce pig aggression in group housing.
Sarah Ison with Michigan State University tells Brownfield legislation in some states including Michigan and Ohio requires phasing out gestation stalls which means sows will be grouped together. “Regrouping unfamiliar animals is avoided at all costs because those pigs fight, it’s not good for them, their immune system can be compromised and when they’re fighting, they’re not eating, so there’s a reduction in productivity.”
Ison is surveying producers to find out what they do to reduce pig aggression and will be applying the results to improve sow environments and their welfare.
Continue reading Reducing pig aggression in group housing at Brownfield Ag News.
