The importance of training growing/fattening pigs in automatic sorting systems

Sammanfattning

The interest in sorter scale systems for growing/fattening pigs has increased during the last years among Swedish pig farmers. In these systems up to 500 pigs are held in each group and in most cases the pen layout forces pigs to pass automatic sorter scale for access the feeding area. The pigs’ weight is monitored for every entry to the feeding area. Except for automatic training program provided by the sorter scale manufacturer, pigs can either be manually trained or the farmer can rely up on the pig’s own ability to navigate the system. However, if pigs are not able to find the feed there is a high risk of decreased production as well as reduced animal welfare. The domestic pig has a well-developed cognitive ability and has proved to being able to navigate mazes as well as relocate feed. There is a lack of knowledge if there is a need for manual training in the sorting scale system. This study’s first aim is to compare trained and untrained pigs in sorter scale systems. This part was compiled using data from a farm with individual Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for the pigs. The second part compares the pen design when manual trained pigs soon after moved to the growing/fattening pigs’ stables. For this part three farms were visited within two weeks after the pigs were moved to the sorter scale system, the pigs were manually trained by two observers. Results shows that the manual training didn’t have a large impact on gate passages, weight gain, final weight or rearing days. Some differences could be seen when comparing gilts and barrows. However, depending on pen design the effectiveness of the manual training differs significantly. Building a funnel-shaped entrance to the sorter scale facilitates the manual training. And building a wall with the possibility to close gates in the middle of the resting area could also be beneficial. Even if the manual training would be considered non crucial the design could have an impact on how easy it is to handle individual pigs for other reasons than training.