Impact of Stocking Density on Welfare, Behavior, and Growth Performance of Large White Yorkshire Pigs under Indian Condition

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying stocking densities on the welfare, behaviour, and production performance of growing Large White Yorkshire pigs. Study Design: The research focused on assessing the influence of decreasing floor space allowance per pig on welfare indicators, including behavioural patterns, growth metrics, and feed efficiency. Seventy-four weaned pigs were randomly divided into four treatment groups with stocking densities ranging from 0.3 m²/pig to 0.21 m²/pig. Behavioural data were recorded using smartphone cameras and CCTV, while growth and feed metrics were systematically measured. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted from 2020 to 2023 at the Piggery Farm, Department of Livestock Production Management, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India (Latitude: 30°54' North, Longitude: 75°48' East). Methodology: A corn-soybean meal-based diet was provided ad libitum, and body weight, feed intake, and behavioural observations were recorded weekly. Negative and positive social behaviours, exploratory activities, and lying duration were documented for each group. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test to compare treatment effects at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: Growth performance, including body weight and average daily gain (ADG), showed no significant differences between groups; however, a linear increase in body weight was observed over time. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) differed significantly, with pigs at higher stocking densities consuming more feed and displaying higher FCR values. Behavioural analysis revealed increased negative behaviours such as aggression and tail biting in higher stocking density groups, while exploratory and positive social behaviours were more frequent in these groups. Lower stocking density groups displayed more lying behaviour, particularly towards the end of the study. Conclusion: Decreasing floor space allowance significantly impacted pig behaviour, increasing stress-related activities and negative social interactions without significantly affecting growth performance. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing space allocation in intensive pig farming systems to balance welfare and productivity.