Researchers Examine Role of Play in Social Development and Productivity

Researchers with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are looking at the role of play in the development and productivity of the pig. Researchers with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are examining the potential of using play to enhance pig welfare and promote beneficial production characteristics.

 

Dr. Giuliana Miguel Pacheco, a Post Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, says research shows play is perfumed in the absence of fear, pain and illness.

 

 

We know that play has a strong function and role in pig development, preparing the pig for an expected event, influencing social development and learning about environment. It is believed that supporting the expression of play will confirm efficient charteristics in pigs, helping them to cope with challenges that could be stressful.

 

It is also assumed that performing play triggers positive emotions. These two reasons are very important for the Canadian swine industry, particularly in an era where consumers are more concerned about farm animal welfare and antibiotic use. Promoting resilience in pigs could potentially reduce the use of antibiotics through reducing the effects of negative stress on the body.

 

So the main goals of this work are, to identify the most effective and practical methods to trigger play in commercial systems of production, to measure the effect of play promotion on production efficiency and social development. We are reducing social stress so it could help to increase production efficiency. The final goal is to determine whether opportunities to play can induce positive emotions and influence the pig's immune response and ability to respond effectively to stress.

Video: Precision Planting DuraWear

Struggling with inconsistent planting depth from row to row? The new DuraWear Depth Handle from Precision Planting is designed to eliminate depth variability and make accurate calibration easier than ever.

In this video, Precision Planting’s Mike Schlitt walks through how the Dura Aware system helps growers achieve consistent, repeatable planting depth—without relying on guesswork or constantly checking T-handle positions.

What You’ll Learn:

— Why row-to-row depth variation impacts emergence and yield
— How the DuraWear Depth Handle allows micro-adjustments on each row
— How the system keeps every row in the same notch setting, even after calibration
— And more!

Whether you're dialing in your planter for spring or upgrading your setup for more precise depth control, the DuraWear Depth Handle gives you clarity, confidence, and consistency.