If you have experience caring for pigs, you know they have an impressive number of vocalizations they use to communicate with one another. These vocalizations range from deep soft grunts to high-pitched squeals and others. Pigs use their good sense of hearing to listen and interpret these vocal communications. Pigs also use their hearing to distinguish between different caregiver voices. How might they react to music?
Non-Compassionate Sources
We at The Open Sanctuary Project disavow animal experimentation and
any “use” of animals for human purposes. Because compassionate
studies on valuing the personality, intelligence, and unique
attributes of many nonhuman animals are rare, in this resource, we
draw from existing work that may be non-compassionate but may, all
the same, be used to improve the lives of residents. We work towards
a future when compassionate, non-exploitive, and non-invasive
research is the norm. Still, in the meantime, we will work with what
we have to help sanctuaries help animals as effectively as possible.
You can read a little bit more about our non-compassionate source
policy here.
Music For Pigs: The Right Tune Can Promote
Wellbeing
Welcome to our second resource in our Science For Sanctuaries
series! If you care for pigs, you have likely found yourself
brainstorming creative ways to improve the lives of pig residents.
In this resource, we will review what is known about how music may
affect pig residents and how a better understanding of this could
help you provide better care for pig residents. Is music good for
pigs? We know that different types of music can have varying effects
on humans and other animals, both positive and negative.
Does the type of music matter? Can it affect behavior or emotions?
While research addressing these questions does exist, more research
is needed. However, some studies indicate that music may be
beneficial in a caregiver’s toolbox for promoting positive welfare
for pig residents. In this resource, we will briefly examine the
current research available and whether the findings have application
in sanctuary settings. Let’s take a look at the research:
A Pig’s Relationship With Sound
If you have experience caring for pigs, you know they have an
impressive number of vocalizations they use to communicate with one
another. These vocalizations range from deep soft grunts to
high-pitched squeals and others. Pigs use their good sense of
hearing to listen and interpret these vocal communications. Pigs
also use their hearing to distinguish between different caregiver
voices.
....
Please read the
ENTIRE STUDY HERE.