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Quality of Life Handbook – The use of environmental enrichment

The aim of this handbook is to provide suggestions on how to improve the quality of life of pigs in commercial farms in such a way that it won’t require large renovations to the barns. This includes things such as positive human interaction, socializing pigs pre-weaning with other litters, increased space allowance, and different types of environmental enrichment. This handbook gives an extensive overview of physical enrichment options, as well as social, nutritional, occupational and sensory enrichments. The last section of the handbook provides an overview of enrichments for each phase of production, including what kinds of effects were seen in research trials in specific production phases.

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Episode 86: Rest Stops During Long-Haul Transport: Helpful or Harmful?

Video: Episode 86: Rest Stops During Long-Haul Transport: Helpful or Harmful?

Transport regulations have renewed attention on the role of rest stops for weaned calves. While the idea is that breaks during long-haul transport might reduce stress and improve animal welfare, research from 2018–2020 tells a different story. Across all trials, rest stops showed no consistent benefits—and calves that rested actually carried more BRD-related bacteria than those hauled straight through. Tune in to learn why rest stops may pose more risk than reward.