Impact of farrowing crate enrichment strategies on the welfare and performance of sows, suckling piglets, and post-weaned piglets.

Abstract

In conventional pig production, lactating sows are typically housed in farrowing crates that restrict movement and environmental engagement, raising welfare concerns. Farrowing pen also lacks behavioral stimulation for suckling piglets, hindering species-specific behaviors. Environmental enrichment may improve welfare by redirecting behaviors-such as chewing-away from conspecifics in piglets and pen fixtures in sows. However, few studies have explored its effects in farrowing crates, particularly regarding optimal placement within these spatial constraints. This study evaluated the impacts of enrichment strategies on welfare and performance of 37 lactating sows and their litters from birth through early post-weaning. Sows and litters were divided into three groups: both had access to enrichments (SPE), only piglets had access (PE), and control group with no enrichments (CON). Point-source objects (PorkyPlays and wooden blocks on rope) were placed 2 days after sows moved into farrowing crates until 2 weeks post-weaning. Sow salivary cortisol was collected at four timepoints and pressure sores were assessed at 8 timepoints from 24 hours after crate entry to weaning. Piglet tear stains and skin lesions were recorded throughout the lactation phase. Suckling piglet average daily gain (ADG) was analyzed at d 1-7, d 7-14, and d 14-weaning. In the nursery, salivary cortisol, tear stains, and skin lesions were measured on d 1, 7, and 14 post-weaning, with an additional cortisol sample at d 0 post-weaning. Nursery piglet ADG was analyzed from weaning to d 14 post-weaning. CON sows were more likely to have a pressure sore compared to SPE sows (P = 0.02); PE sows tended to have a higher likelihood of developing a pressure sore than SPE sows (P = 0.097). No treatment effect was found on salivary cortisol for sows or nursery piglets. However, CON piglets had the largest tear stains during lactation (P < 0.001) and nursery (P = 0.001). Treatment affected piglet skin lesions during lactation, with CON piglets having more ear (P < 0.001) and front lesions (P = 0.002) and a higher overall lesion score (P < 0.0001). No treatment effect was found on ADG, piglet crushing, or nursery skin lesions. In conclusion, enrichment strategies in farrowing crates improved piglet skin health and tear stains without affecting performance. Enrichment access for sows tended to reduce pressure sores, suggesting enrichments can enhance welfare in farrowing crate systems.