Unravelling variation in feeding, social interaction and growth patterns among pigs using an agent-based model
Authored by Gert Jan Hofstede, Iris J M M Boumans, Eddie A M Bokkers, Boer Imke J M de
Date Published: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.03.030
Sponsors:
No sponsors listed
Platforms:
NetLogo
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Model Code URLs:
https://www.comses.net/codebases/5628/releases/1.1.0/
Abstract
Domesticated pigs, Sus scrofa, vary considerably in feeding, social
interaction and growth patterns. This variation originates partly from
genetic variation that affects physiological factors and partly from
behavioural strategies (avoid or approach) in competitive food resource
situations. Currently, it is unknown how variation in physiological
factors and in behavioural strategies among animals contributes to
variation in feeding, social interaction and growth patterns in animals.
The aim of this study was to unravel causation of variation in these
patterns among pigs. We used an agent-based model to explore the effects
of physiological factors and behavioural strategies in pigs on variation
in feeding, social interaction and growth patterns. Model results show
that variation in feeding, social interaction and growth patterns are
caused partly by chance, such as time effects and coincidence of
conflicts. Furthermore, results show that seemingly contradictory
empirical findings in literature can be explained by variation in pig
characteristics (i.e. growth potential, positive feedback, dominance,
and coping style). Growth potential mainly affected feeding and growth
patterns, whereas positive feedback, dominance and coping style affected
feeding patterns, social interaction patterns, as well as growth
patterns. Variation in behavioural strategies among pigs can reduce
aggression at group level, but also make some pigs more susceptible to
social constraints inhibiting them from feeding when they want to,
especially low-ranking pigs and pigs with a passive coping style.
Variation in feeding patterns, such as feeding rate or meal frequency,
can indicate social constraints. Feeding patterns, however, can say
something different about social constraints at group versus individual
level. A combination of feeding patterns, such as a decreased feed
intake, an increased feeding rate, and an increased meal frequency
might, therefore, be needed to measure social constraints at individual
level.
Tags
Simulation
behavior
Performance
Productivity
Group dynamics
ecology
systems
Hierarchy
Framework
Stress
Aggressiveness
Growing pigs
Feeding behaviour
Animal welfare
Coping characteristics