Efeitos da música clássica no desempenho de suínos em fase de maternidade e creche

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for products derived from animals raised under welfare principles, aligned with sustainability and comfort throughout the pre-slaughter phases. In this context, producers have been adapting their production systems to meet market requirements and to provide animals with better living conditions that allow the expression of natural behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of classical music as an environmental enrichment tool on the performance and welfare of piglets during the maternity and nursery phases. The experiment was conducted over 45 days, using 16 newborn piglets in the maternity phase, which were later allocated into two groups of eight animals each in the nursery phase, divided into control and treatment pens. Animals in the maternity and treatment groups were exposed twice daily, for 30 minutes, to classical music by Bach (Cello Suite No. 1 – Prelude), under controlled sound levels. Behavioral parameters were assessed through an ethogram, along with body temperature and performance indicators. The results showed no statistically significant differences in productive parameters; however, piglets exposed to music displayed reduced frequency of fights and social interactions, suggesting a calming effect and improvement in welfare. Therefore, classical music, when applied as sensory enrichment, may represent a low-cost and easily implemented strategy to improve animal behavior and welfare, although further studies are required to confirm its effects under different production conditions.