Pigs’ Early Life – NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare

Biomarkers of Welfare

Results from this project indicate pigs with ‘enhanced’ enrichment increased lifelong ADG and were easier to handle at eight weeks. Piglets with pre-weaning lameness had increased cortisol:DHEA ratio in hair, suggesting this could be an objective measure of individual welfare.

February 29, 2024

Pigs' Early Life

Contribution of early life management to pig robustness

There are two early life periods where the pigs’ behaviour develops the most, between 0-4 and 4-12 weeks of age. In these periods, the development of a pig’s coping ability is influenced which may have long lasting consequences on their...

February 29, 2024

Pigs' Early Life Research Projects

Quantifying the effects of extra space, enrichment, and handling during a critical development period on the welfare outcomes and stress resilience of pigs

Research Team: PhD Student: Siba Khalife Supervisor: Dr. Yolande Seddon Project Collaborators: Jose Ceron, Murcia University Funding Agency: Project Timeline: 2021 to 2024 Background: Providing a rearing environment that is conducive to supporting healthy development and a positive affective state...

April 18, 2023

Category: Pigs’ Early Life

Biomarkers of Welfare

Contribution of early life management to pig robustness

Quantifying the effects of extra space, enrichment, and handling during a critical development period on the welfare outcomes and stress resilience of pigs

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