Kassel, Germany - Researchers at Kassel University in Germany have developed a polyurethane toy for pigs to play with to help release their aggression.
The 'Wühlkegel', a polyurethane ball on a spring, is designed to relive boredom and inactivity among captive pigs in order to improve animal welfare.
Researchers at the faculty of organic agricultural sciences at Kassel University carried out the Euro 200 000 ($276 000) project along with the German federal ministry of food, agriculture and consumer protection.
The toys are currently being tested with the pigs' behaviour monitored on video. Researchers said in a university statement that they are optimistic the project will be successful, especially as European legal requirements regarding the quality of toys for pigs are due to become stricter in the next years.
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