GroupHouseNet 

WG2 focused on links between the expression of damaging behaviour, and pre-and post-natal conditions.

The objective of WG2 was to coordinate, share, and disseminate results from efforts aimed at characterising pre- and postnatal conditions that reduce damaging behaviour and to assess whether this also improves health status.

Pigs: In pigs, relevant experimental research aimed at characterising postnatal early life experiences that contribute to improving social behaviour, preventing tail biting and bellynosing, reducing aggression, and increasing play behaviour, exploratory behaviour, and health. The effects of the social experience of pigs during rearing on their later success as breeding sows adapting to different social groups was also an area of focus.

Laying hens: Ongoing experimental research in laying hens suggests that avoiding parental stress, providing light during incubation, access to dark brooders posthatching, as well as the provision of a stimulating and complex multidimensional rearing environment reduces the risk of aggression and feather pecking and improves health in adult birds.