Pig toys reduce injuries and improve welfare
Pig farmers can reduce visible injuries in piglets and fattening pigs and improve their welfare by using new rooting cones and pushing balls.
WEDA Dammann and Westerkamp, pig house equipment specialist in Lutten, the Netherlands, has developed a new bite-resistant and food-safe pliable material in conjunction with Kassel University.
When mounted on the floor or in pens, the toys allow pigs to carry out natural behaviours while standing, sitting or lying.
Rooting cones have reduced tail-biting by satisfying the pigs’ rooting instinct. Scientific studies have shown pigs used cones more frequently than the classic ball or chain, resulting in fewer visible scratch marks and a more tranquil atmosphere.
The rooting cones are mounted on a stable plastic ground plate with flexible metal springs. Fixed in this way in the centre of the pen keeps the pigs away from the corners and improves well-being through a variety of movements and resistance.
The cones come in two sizes, 60mm for piglets and 80mm for fattening pigs.
The pushing balls were developed especially for farrowing pens and service stations to satisfy rooting behaviour, said Ralf Meyer, WEDA’s development manager.
The balls are available in two sizes and can be installed directly to the pens without the need to remove any equipment.
A modifiable pipe for biting behaviour is also designed for screw-fixing to pen walls.
“The acceptance of pig farmers for these toys results from the hygiene properties and their low-noise,” adds Mr Meyer.