Stress and aggression in pigs: the role of nutrition in animal welfare management
On modern pig farms, pigs may be exposed to numerous stress factors throughout their production cycle. Weaning, the formation of new groups, transfers between units, transport, high stocking densities and environmental changes are all situations that can influence the animals’ behaviour.
Stress is a natural physiological response, but when stressful stimuli become particularly intense or prolonged, they can increase restlessness and competitive behaviour within the group, making herd management more challenging.
For this reason, pig welfare today requires an approach that integrates management, the environment and nutrition.
Why is stress a challenge on pig farms?
In pigs, aggression is often linked to the establishment of the social hierarchy.
When animals from different groups are brought together, it is normal to observe interactions aimed at establishing new social relationships. However, certain factors can intensify these behaviours:
- shuffling of groups;
- weaning;
- trasferimenti tra reparti;
- competition for food and water;
- high density;
- sub-optimal environmental conditions;
- thermal stress.
Careful management of these aspects helps to improve the animals’ welfare and the peace of mind of the whole group.
What approach should be taken to reduce stress factors?
There is no single solution for managing stress in pigs.
Practical experience shows that the best results come from combining different management strategies.
The most important aspects include:
- formation of homogeneous groups;
- sufficient space;
- proper environmental enrichment;
- a constant supply of water and food;
- a suitable microclimate;
- feed formulated to suit the production stage.
These elements can be complemented by a specific nutritional programme, tailored to the needs of the farm.
The role of plant extracts in pig nutrition
In recent years, animal nutrition has seen an increasing use of plant extracts, phytocomplexes and natural substances derived from aromatic and medicinal plants.
These ingredients are used in nutritional formulations because they help to maintain the animal’s normal physiological balance during situations characterised by increased environmental or management stress.
When included as part of a balanced diet, plant extracts can provide valuable support as part of a nutritional programme devised in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Tecnozoo’s solutions for supporting pigs during periods of management stress
To meet the needs of modern pig farms, Tecnozoo has developed a range of products designed to provide nutritional support for pigs in stressful situations. The formulations are designed to be incorporated into specific feeding programmes, with the aim of helping to maintain the animal’s physiological balance during the most critical stages.
CALM FORTE PLUS
Among the solutions designed to manage stress is CALM FORTE PLUS, a complementary feed formulated with selected ingredients and plant extracts, developed for use during periods of increased management pressure, such as weaning, transfers, the formation of new groups or other situations that may affect the animals’ behaviour.
The formulation is designed to help maintain the normal physiological balance of pigs as part of a proper nutritional strategy.
ARMONY LINE
Alongside CALM FORTE PLUS, Tecnozoo offers the Armony line, comprising SWINE ARMONY FORMULA and SWINE ARMONY FLUID, two complementary feeds developed to be incorporated into pigs’ nutritional programmes during phases characterised by increased environmental or management stress.
The formulations contain a selection of ingredients and plant extracts designed to help maintain the animals’ normal physiological and behavioural balance as part of proper livestock management.
Thanks to their different methods of administration, SWINE ARMONY FORMULA – to be added to the feed – and SWINE ARMONY FLUID – to be added to drinking water – allow the nutritional programme to be tailored to the specific needs of the farm.
As part of an integrated approach that encompasses the proper management of herds, the environment and feed, the Armony range provides valuable nutritional support to help pigs through the most critical stages of the production cycle.
Tecnozoo’s tips
To deal effectively with stressful situations, it is advisable to adopt a comprehensive strategy that includes:
- reduction in factors contributing to competition amongst animals;
- effective management of groups;
- clean, dry and well-ventilated areas;
- a balanced and consistent diet;
- evaluation of nutritional programmes involving specific supplementation, tailored to the needs of the livestock farm.
Every farm has its own unique characteristics: for this reason, it is important to identify the most suitable strategies with the support of qualified professionals.
The requirements of a livestock farm may vary depending on genetics, facilities, the stage of production and management practices.
For this reason, the choice of a nutritional programme should always form part of a comprehensive technical assessment.
Would you like to find out more about Tecnozoo’s solutions for managing stress in pigs?
Request a personalised consultation or ask your local Tecnozoo agent for more information.
