Enhancing piglet welfare with hybrid rye: Assessing ​activity and injury rates without compromising growth performance

Due to historical concerns about contamination with ergot, rye has been used only to a limited extent in pig feed. However, advances in breeding technology have significantly reduced these risks. Rye, especially hybrid varieties, offers potential health benefits for pigs due to its high fiber content, which promotes intestinal health. This study examines the effects of adding hybrid rye to piglet feed on their health, behaviour, and performance. In the 49-day study with 384 piglets, feed treatments with different rye contents were tested: 0% rye (control), RYEL with 5%, 7.5%, 10%, RYEM with 5%, 10%, 20%, and RYEH with 5%, 20%, 40% rye in three phases on days 1–14, 15–30, and 31–49. Important behavioural and health parameters, including...