Environmental enrichment for sucker and weaner pigs: the effect of enrichment block shape on the behavioural interaction by pigs with the blocks

An enrichment block containing sugar beet pulp (SBP), originally developed as an enrichment device for sows during gestation, was reduced in size and thus weight to suit sucker and weaner pigs. It was concluded that oro-basal contact by sucker pigs with the blocks predominately commenced in the fourth week of lactation. The finding thus suggests that SBP blocks may not need to be provided in the sucker stage until the fourth week of lactation. Further, sucker and weaner pigs seemed to “prefer” the brick-shaped rather than the cube- or wedge shaped blocks.