Which practice could reduce the incidence of stress in hogs?

Providing comfortable flooring is crucial in reducing the incidence of stress in hogs. Comfortable flooring helps to ensure that the animals can stand, walk, and rest without discomfort. When pigs have proper flooring, it can minimize injuries and issues related to their hooves and joints, leading to a more relaxed and stress-free environment.

Stress in hogs often arises from physical discomfort, overcrowding, and harsh living conditions. By addressing the flooring with softer and more forgiving materials, owners can create an environment that promotes well-being and lowers anxiety levels among the pigs. The use of comfortable flooring is thus an essential management practice in swine production that contributes to the overall health and productivity of the animals.

In contrast, increasing group size can lead to more competition for resources and increased aggression among animals, which may elevate stress levels. Minimizing feeding times can create anxiety about food scarcity, and raising temperatures can lead to thermal stress, neither of which are conducive to a calm atmosphere for hogs.