Scratching the Surface for Swine Enrichment. Corinna Houdlette, Shaylene Hegarty, Misty Williams-Fritze.

Environmental enrichment programs are intended to provide for species-typical behaviors and decrease animal stress; reduction of stress may lead to decreased variability and better scientific results. Enrichment should be safe for the animal, easy to sanitize, easily incorporated into an existing program, and provide novelty to the animal. As naturally social animals, swine generally enjoy manipulanda, food treats and seek to interact with human caretakers. Enrichment programs should be reviewed and updated as new or advanced devices or methods are indicated.

This poster described a novel, cost effective device we incorporated into our own swine enrichment program.