ScholarWorks@경상국립대학교

초록

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of environmental improvement in pig farms on the behavior and productivity of finishing pigs. Specifically, the impacts of different space allowances per pig (1.0 m², 0.8 m², and 0.6 m²) and the provision of toy were compared in terms of stress related abnormal behaviors, growth performance, and carcass quality. The frequency of abnormal behaviors increased as stocking density became higher, whereas pigs reared under low density conditions exhibited significantly greater average daily gain, carcass weight, backfat thickness, and higher carcass grading scores (P<0.01). The provision of toy significantly reduced the occurrence of aggressive behaviors and improved weight gain (P<0.01). Moreover, pigs without toy showed a higher frequency and longer duration of bothering behaviors. In conclusion, maintaining a space allowance of at least 0.8 m² per finishing pig and providing environmental enrichment materials can effectively reduce stress and enhance productivity. These findings suggest that optimal stocking density and environmental enrichment may serve as a basis for transitioning conventional pig farms toward welfare enriched production systems that ensure both animal welfare and economic sustainability.

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