Consequently, the aim of the present study was twofold.
We firstly wanted to determine the effects of
raising entire males in stable groups compared to castrated
males on their social behaviour (including agonistic
behaviour, non-agonistic behaviour, play, belly-nosing),
the human–animal relationship and the feeding behaviour
during the fattening period. We secondly wanted to
determine the possible effects of an enrichment of the
environment (space, outdoor run, straw) on the same
behavioural activities. The development of the immune
system of those animals (Merlot et al., submitted for
publication) and the sexual development and effects on
meat quality and stress hormones will be presented elsewhere.