Analysis of the weaned piglets reaction on the handling material with coloured balls and possibility of exploration and chewing

Analysis of the weaned piglets reaction on the handling material with coloured balls and possibility of exploration and chewing. Maintaining proper pig welfare levels in intensive production systems requires the use of appropriate handling materials. At present, there are many elements commonly referred to as toys in breeding and production, but not all of them meet safety and functional requirements. The purpose of the study was to analyze the reaction of weaned piglets on a toy pen – an “abacus” with coloured balls (test version). Direct observations were made on the behaviour of piglets of the Pulawska and Polish Large White (PLW) breeds using the ethogram, taking into account motor activity with elements of interest in an “abacus”, including: climbing on an “abacus”, shifting balls (interest in yellow, blue, red), rest, excretory behaviour, nutritional behaviour. It was found that piglets of the Pulawska breed climbed on an “abacus” for more time (15.2 min, i.e. 3.6 min longer than the PLW breed), and the PLW breed moved balls longer (26.2 mi., i.e. 9.6 min longer than the Pulawska breed). Piglets of the two breeds had the least interest for red balls. Piglets of the Pulawska breed preferred the most blue and then yellow balls. Polish Large White piglets were more likely to choose yellow and blue balls. Eating time and water intake were higher in Pulawska breed, respectively 10.8 and 5.4 min compared to 6.6 and 3.0 min in PLW breed.