Effects of neonatal castration on social behaviour, human–animal relationship and feeding activity in finishing pigs reared in a conventional or an enriched housing

摘要: Raising entire males is already common in a few European countries. It has the advantage of avoiding pain castration. Entire have also better food conversion. However, they would be more aggressive than castrates which causes welfare troubles. The consequences for human–animal relationship are not clear. We thus wanted to determine effects raising stable groups compared castrated on their social behaviour (including agonistic behaviour, non-agonistic play, belly-nosing), and feeding during fattening period. determined an enrichment housing (space, outdoor run, straw) same behavioural activities. Eighty (groups 10) were studied: 40 (surgically) at 5–6 days age left entire, half each reared barren (1 m2/animal, slatted floor) enriched (2.5 straw bedding run) housing. observed activity by continuous sampling three times month 1 h from 3 5 months age. measured 24 h. observations pooled. evaluated humans 80 150 measuring manageability (during displacement, saliva collection weighing) reaction presence departure unfamiliar human after isolation test pen m × 6 m). expressed activities only They attracted but towards him, difficult handle. reduced activity. Whatever gonadal status, pigs environment often playing, less pen. easier handle weighing. Enriching induced difficulties collection, had no effect these behaviours males. it decreased In conclusion, we did show any strong negative rearing groups. Our modulate so much males,