The behaviour of growing pigs during experimental social encounters

摘要: Three experiments studied the behaviour of pigs which were brought together for brief periods observation on successive days. Two distinct patterns aggressive observed, one involving biting and other butting. Biting was common when first met, butting seemed to replace in some cases. Pairs had no previous contact frequently showed a straight forward type dominance with pig performing almost all butting; among well-acquainted pairs, however, relationships more complex. Of experimental manipulations, familiarity between two animals most profound effect behaviour. Biting, but not butting, reduced if housed neighbouring pens, or they previously shared same pen. eliminated, reduced, lived throughout time observations. There differences females castrated males, individually-housed group-housed either Pigs subjected repeated generally became less active, refraining from social non-social activities. Butting did appear have similar effects recipient animals. The illustrated complex interactions large number In this light, usefulness such broad terms as ‘aggression’ ‘dominance’ is discussed.