Effectiveness of Pet Remedy in reducing aggression in pigs

Abstract
Aggression in pigs is commonly seen in farmed environments due to their continuous regrouping and need to establish a hierarchy. As a result of this, poor welfare indicators such as skin lesions, high cortisol levels and growth reduction are commonly seen. Pet Remedy is a product available which promotes itself in reducing stress and anxiety aimed at companion animals. This posed the question, could this product reduce aggression in pigs? To see if aggression in pigs can be reduced, 3 Large white, landrace and large white x landrace weaner piglets (Sus scrofa) from 3 groups of up to 40 where observed for 45 minutes with no addition, then for 45 minutes with cloths sprayed with Pet Remedy placed around the enclosure. Behavioural observations for state behaviours were taken at 1minute intervals, whilst event behaviours were observed continuously. Results showed that aggressive behaviour did decrease after the addition of Pet Remedy (P=0.000) whilst resting behaviours increased (P = 0.000). These alongside the other results supported the alternate hypotheses. These findings can provide a framework for future research and can begin the work needed to increase the quality of welfare of our farmed pigs.