De La Garza, F., Long, C. T., Cannon, C. Z. 2024. Getting to the root of the problem…How to maximize swine environmental enrichment opportunities in the laboratory animal setting. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 12(3) (May/June), 30–35.
Swine rooting refers to the natural behavior of pigs to root or dig in soil with their snouts in search of food, roots, insects, and other edible items. This behavior is deeply ingrained in the natural instincts of swine and is an important part of their foraging and feeding activities. Given the significance of rooting, providing opportunities for swine to engage in this behavior is an important husbandry consideration. Whether through access to exercise hallways, toys, or other enrichment opportunities, allowing swine to root is an important aspect of promoting their overall welfare. This publication will describe the environmental enrichment methodologies developed in our program to promote natural swine behaviors including rooting.
Year
2024
Animal Type
Setting
Topic