PRODUCTION PARAMETERS AND BEHAVIOUR OF HEAVY PIGS AS AFFECTED BY THE INTENSITY OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

The aim of the trial was to evaluate the effect of two different environmental lighting intensities on production and behavioural parameters of heavy pigs (160 kg body weight at slaughtering). A total of 80 hybrid pigs was allotted to two experimental groups: a control group which was raised according to the minimal light intensity level stated by the present law (40 lux) and a test group receiving, over the same 12-hours period, a higher light intensity of 80 lux. No difference were observed between groups with respect to production or behavioural parameters with the exception of social interactions (with particular regard to aggressive interactions) which were more frequent among pigs subjected to the lower light intensity of 40 lux. Our results indicate that a light intensity higher than that prescribed by the present law has no adverse effect on pig production and behavioural traits and they agree with the recent EFSA’s recommendations (2007) indicating specific needs of fattening pigs in terms of a sufficient environmental lighting in order to attain a good level of animal welfare.