Dataset of pig social competence in response to a range of social contexts
Dataset of response of domestic pigs to a range of commercially relevant social situations. Pigs experienced a 2x2 design with pre-weaning socialisation (integration with an adjacent litter) (yes/no) and post-weaning housing under a commercial level of physical environmental enrichment or an enhanced level. After weaning superficial skin scratches from fighting with their pen mates were recorded weekly. Their responses to a range of social situations were recorded (resident-intruder test (response to the brief introduction of an unfamiliar pig to their pen), open field test (isolation in an empty arena for up to 3 minutes; performed twice), emotional contagion test (same location as the open field test, performed twice, in the first they heard the sound of a pig expressing positive sounds (when playing), in the second they heard sounds of a pig in mild distress (being picked up briefly); social support test (being restrained in a normal pig weigh crate for up to 3 minutes, once without a companion nearby and once with a companion). Data on a range of welfare outcome measures is also included (weight gain, tear staining, attention bias (response to a startling stimulus; performed twice)). Meanings of specific column headings are included in the excel file as 'notes'.