Why do pigs wallow in mud

Although counterintuitive, another benefit to vigorously rolling around in mud is that it repels parasites. Pigs can rub off fleas, ticks, and lice. By caking themselves in mud, the pigs will also prevent new infestations of bugs looking for mammalian bodies to land on. The simplest explanation of why pigs wallow in mud is that they find it very entertaining. It is one of their favorite things to do.

To not provide a domesticated pig with a mud pit is thought to be a form of mistreatment. Perhaps the love of mud is a behavioral instinct for pigs but it is one that keeps them happy and occupied. Behavioral abnormalities have been observed and documented in pigs who do not have access to mud even though they are kept in comfortable conditions. Pig domestication and technology have allowed modern farms to use air-conditioned barns to keep the pigs out of the sun and heat.

However, without a mud playpen pigs seem to develop other harmful behaviors. This biting can lead to a form of cannibalism among pigs but its occurrence seems to be curtailed in groups where sufficient mud pits are provided.

Pigs will roll around in mud pits even when the weather is cold and cloudy, a piece of evidence which clearly indicates that the activity is more than a physical need. RSPCA Australia encourages participation in independent certification schemes that promote best environmental practice in regard to wallow management. Home Farm Animals Pigs Why is wallowing important for pig welfare?

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Why is environmental enrichment important for pig welfare? Wallowing can lower a pig's temperature by 3. A mud bath is more cooling than a dip in cold water, Bracke wrote, because the water in mud evaporates off the pig's coated body more slowly, allowing the animal to reap the cooling benefits of evaporation for longer.

But even in cool weather, pigs still wallow, suggesting that the magic of mud doesn't just lie in thermal regulation, Bracke wrote. Some wild pigs seem to use mud baths to scrape off parasites such as ticks and lice; they may also rub their scent glands around wallowing areas, possibly as a way of territory marking.

However, Bracke warned, farmers shouldn't think that they can replace wallowing with air-conditioned barns and anti-parasite medicines. In other words, the simple enjoyment of natural behaviors might factor into the "good life" for farm animals, Bracke wrote: "Progressive farmers may need to consider providing pools or showers for pigs to accommodate such a 'demand.