Like other animals, pigs also have the phenomenon of domination and being dominated , which is a manifestation of the hierarchical system in the pig farm. If this hierarchy is disturbed because the number of pigs in the group increases or decreases,it will be rearranged and fighting is inevitable in the process.
Social dominance hierarchies are established even before the piglets are weaned.
During the first few days of life, specific weaning hierarchies develop. This happens when the stronger piglet occupies the front teat that holds the most milk. Disorganization of this order can hinder the growth and development of piglets.
Pigs grow larger when they are housed in groups rather than individually. However, growth rates may be lower if the total floor area is less than 0.5m³ per pig for pigs with a live weight of 60 kg and above. Keeping large numbers of pigs on limited floor space in the same pen can lead to reduced growth and feed utilization, cannibalism (e.g. tail biting), feces and urine contamination of the pen, and heat stress.
