Device for stimulating natural food seeking behaviour in domesticated animals

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for stimulating normal behavioural instincts in domesticated animals such as in pigs or dogs, comprising a base (1) with protrusions (2) to create an obstacle, the protrusions (2) having a position and / or flexibility that allows an animal to push the head through the obstacle to reach the base. The device of the present invention will help alleviate such stress symptoms with domesticated animals.

Description

[0001] Device for stimulating natural food seeking behaviour in domesticated animals.

[0002] Technical area of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of devices for improving animal health. In particular, the invention provides a device for stimulating natural food searching behaviour in domesticated animals such as in pigs or dogs.

[0004] Background

[0005] Food-seeking behavior in mammals such as pigs involves various innate and learned behaviors geared toward finding and obtaining food.

[0006] Pigs are highly intelligent and resourceful animals that exhibit a range of behaviors when searching for food:

[0007] Foraging: Pigs are natural foragers, using their strong sense of smell to locate food sources. They often root or dig through soil, leaves, and other materials to uncover edible items like roots, tubers, insects, and small animals.

[0008] Pigs explore their environment extensively to discover potential food sources. They use their snouts to investigate different areas, turning over objects and sniffing around to identify edible items.

[0009] Pigs tend to establish feeding patterns and routines. They may exhibit crepuscular tendencies, being more active during dawn and dusk, which aligns with their natural inclination for foraging during these times.

[0010] Pigs can learn from observing other pigs or animals' feeding behaviors. They may follow the lead of more experienced or dominant pigs to discover food sources.

[0011] Pigs have preferences for certain types of food based on taste, smell, and previous experiences. They might exhibit selectivity when choosing between different food items.

[0012] Pigs showcase problem-solving abilities when trying to access food. They can manipulate objects, such as opening gates or containers, to reach food stored or hidden away.

[0013] Pigs adapt their foraging behavior to different environments, adjusting their strategies based on the availability and accessibility of food resources.

[0014] When hungry, pigs become more motivated and persistent in their search for food. They may cover larger areas or show increased determination in obtaining sustenance. Domesticated pigs may exhibit behaviors influenced by their living conditions, such as seeking food from provided feeding areas or responding to feeding schedules set by humans.

[0015] Understanding these food-seeking behaviors is essential for providing appropriate enrichment and care for pigs, especially in farming or captive environments, to ensure their welfare and well-being. When domesticated pigs experience boredom, it can lead to various behavioral and sometimes health-related issues. Intelligent animals such as pigs thrive on mental stimulation and engagement.

[0016] Boredom can lead to destructive behaviour in intelligent animals such as pigs. They might engage in activities like chewing on fixtures, walls, or fences, rooting excessively in a confined space, or even harming themselves due to frustration.

[0017] Pigs might become more aggressive or irritable when they lack mental stimulation. This can lead to conflicts with other pigs or with caretakers. Tail-biting of other pigs is one symptom of such aggressive behaviour. Boredom can result in the development of repetitive behaviors, such as barbiting, pacing, or other stereotypic actions. These behaviors are indicative of stress and dissatisfaction.

[0018] Additionally, boredom might affect a pig's eating habits. They could lose interest in food or, conversely, overeat out of boredom, leading to weight management issues and potential health problems like obesity. Bored pigs might vocalize more frequently, displaying signs of distress or frustration through increased grunting, squealing, or other vocalizations.

[0019] Pigs experiencing prolonged boredom might become lethargic or appear depressed, displaying a lack of interest in their surroundings or reduced activity levels.

[0020] Chronic boredom can lead to stress-related health problems, including compromised immunity, gastrointestinal issues, and susceptibility to illnesses due to increased stress hormones.

[0021] To prevent boredom in domesticated pigs, it's important to provide environmental enrichment. This can include: straw, wood shavings, or objects they can manipulate and explore. Further, no prior art document describe a product with the same functionality as the present invention, i.e. no prior art document describe a solution to the problems solved by the present invention. US2023292701 describe a fundamentally different solution which is a feeding device comprising a floor, on the upper side having short soft members (made of fabric) very closely positioned. This solution is clearly not made for feeding other than pets, as it will not function in a setting with industrial farming, where feeding a number of for example pigs, as the device of US2023292701 will not be useful for food comprising a large amount of liquid, and also it will not be able to comprise large amounts of food. The present invention solves the problem of being able to feed for example a gang of pigs, and also compared with that of US2023292701, the present invention constitute a different type of obstacle for the animal trying to find and reach the food. Functional differences between the device of US2023292701 and that of the present invention, are among others, that when finding food in the device of US2023292701, the pet will be able to move its head from side to side without pulling back the head, and the pet will not be able to reach the mat with its snout. In the device of the present invention, the animal will be able to reach the mat with its snout, but when doing so, it will not be able to move its head to another location on the mat without pulling out the head and inserting it in another position on the mat.

[0022] The object of the present invention is to provide a device that will stimulate an animal such as a pig’s natural behaviour of exploring its surroundings in order to find food. The invention solves the problem of providing domesticated animals with a device that will stimulate and satisfy such natural behaviour and thereby remove symptoms of boredom with such domesticated animals.

[0023] Figures

[0024] Figure 1. Photograph of a dog feeding in the device according to the invention and as described in example 1. In this figure, the device according to the invention is placed in a trough.

[0025] Figure 2. Schematic drawing showing a device according to the invention, wherein 1 is the base, 2 is the protrusions and 3 is the optional ball or ball-like structure.

[0026] Detailed description

[0027] Domesticated animals in general are often in environments very far from their natural habitat. Consequently, stress level is high for such animals due to not being able to use their natural instincts for example for food searching. Stressed animals do not strive, affecting behaviour towards other animals and affect food intake and weight gain.

[0028] Therefore, there is a need for devices capable of fulfilling the need of domesticated animals to use their natural food seeking instincts. The present invention provides such a device which presents a base, such as a mat having a number of protrusions forming a space above the base which is difficult to reach for an animal head, and which can only be investigated by the animal by use of its instincts for searching for food.

[0029] Thus, the present application provides a device for stimulation of natural feeding search behaviour in animals comprising a base (1) having on one side a number of protrusions (2), wherein the protrusions (2) are placed in sufficient amount and pattern to create an obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head, and wherein the protrusions (2) have a position and flexibility that allows for an animal to push the head through the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2) to reach the base (1). The optimal number of protrusions and how they are positioned may vary depending on the size of the animal / animals exposed to the device according to the invention. If the animal is large with a large head, the protrusions must have a larger distance between each other, whereas for smaller animals the distance must be smaller in order for the protrusions to form an obstacle for the animal to reach down between the protrusions with its head. This will allow the animal to work its head past / through the obstacle formed by the protrusions. In some embodiments, the animal may be a dog or a pig. Pigs may be small piglets, or they may also be large such as grown animals with large heads. Consequently, in some aspects, the invention provides a device with a base (1), and a dense population of protrusions, wherein the number and length of the protrusions are adjusted to create an obstacle to a small piglet head. In some embodiments, the population of protrusions (2) may be less dense in order to create an obstacle for a large head from a grown pig. In some embodiments, the length of the protrusions are adjusted to create an obstacle for a small piglet, but at the same time be adjusted in length to be sufficiently short to make it possible for the piglet to access and penetrate the obstacle with its head.

[0030] The required material stiffness to optimize the animal’s natural foraging behaviour in the tactile- snouts device, deflection calculations for a force being applied to either the free end (smaller animals, short snouts) or end area of a beam (concentrated load within estimated snout length, larger animals) can be considered appropriate approximations. Adjusting the device so that material, length, density and positioning of the protrusions is suitable for animals of different sizes is within the competence of the skilled person.

[0031] In some embodiments the protrusions (2) on the device according to the invention are made of materials with a Yong’s modulus of at least 0,050 GPa upto 450 GPa.

[0032] In some embodiments the protrusions (2) on the device according to the invention have a diameter of at least 0,2 cm, such as between 0,2 am and 2 cm, such as between 0,5 cm and 3 cm, such as between 0,8 cm and 4 cm, such as between 1 and 5 cm, such as between 1,5 cm and 6 cm, such as between 0,2 cm and 6 cm.

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, the distance between protrusions is at least 2-25 cm, such as 10-25 cm. In some embodiments suited towards smaller animals such as a piglet, protrusions are 2-7 cm apart. The distance between protrusions (2) is as measured at the base (1) or mat. In some embodiment the protrusions (2) are optimized for animals capable of executing a force between 0.4-25 N force / body weight, the protrusions have a length of 11 cm or more and, diameter of at least 0,2 cm, and a deflection (sigma max) of 4 cm or more.

[0034] In some embodiments, the average length of protrusions (2) on the device according to the invention is at least 5 cm, such as at least 10 cm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the protrusions (2) on the device according to the invention are of different length, so that they are shorter at the edges of the device, in order to also create an obstacle for insertion of the head of the animal from the sides of the device.

[0036] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention is so that the average length of protrusions (2) is between 5 cm and 50 cm, such as between 5 cm and 40 cm in length.

[0037] In some embodiments, the protrusions (2) are between 10 cm and 50 cm in length, such as between 11 cm and 50 cm in length.

[0038] In some embodiments, it is advantageous to make the protrusions with a ball positioned at the top of the protrusion. Instead of a ball, the protrusion may have an object of irregular shape, or simply the protrusion may be so that the top part takes up more space than its lower part. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention, is wherein some or all of the protrusions (2) are so they take up more space in the top part than at the base (1).

[0039] Protrusions that are wider or take up more space at the top part than at the lower part is achievable in different ways.

[0040] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention has one or more of the protrusions (2) split in the top end to form two or more ends that will bend out in different directions and thus create an obstacle for pushing an animals head down between the protrusions (2).

[0041] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise protrusions (2) thicker at the top end than at the end attached to the base (1).

[0042] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise protrusions wherein the top end of the protrusions (2) comprises ball (3) like structures of a round or of an irregular shape.

[0043] In some embodiments, it may be an advantage to protrusions intermixed between each other, to create more than one layer of obstacles for the animal. In some such embodiments, the device according the invention comprise protrusions (2) of an uneven length, so that the ends of the protrusions (2) or the balls (3) form more than one layer of obstacles for an animal trying to reach the base (1) or the space above the base (1) with their head.

[0044] The protrusions must be flexible to allow the animal to reach through the obstacle provided by the protrusions. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention, comprise protrusions (2) that are flexible wherein flexibility come from the point of attachment to the base (1) or wherein the protrusion (2) itself is flexible. In some embodiments, the base (1) is a mat, a plate or another object to which it is possible to attach the protrusions. The base may be made of various materials, and the choice of material based upon use of the device, if it will be on the floor unattached, or will it be fixed on the floor or in a trough. In some embodiments, the device according to any of the embodiments described herein has a base (1) which is a mat (1).

[0045] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention, and according to the previous and any other embodiment herein has a base (1) which is a mat made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention has a base (1) which is a mat made of rubber or a similar flexible material. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention, and according to the other embodiments herein has a mat (1) sufficiently flexible to allow it to adjust to the inner shape of a trough. In some embodiments, the mat (1) of the device is made to fit in a trough with a rounded inner surface. In some such embodiments, the length of some or all of the protrusions (2) at the edges of the base (1) is shorter than those at the middle of the base (1), to make them form an obstacle against from the sides of the device to insert the head of the animal into the space behind the obstacle. Such obstacles will challenge the animal to use its instincts and efforts to succeed in investigating the space behind the obstacle, whether this space will contain food, smell or nothing else than the mat (1).

[0046] In some forms, the device of the invention is to be on the floor, where it may lay unattached, or it may be attached by nails or by other means. The device may be fastened on a wall, or in a trough. The device according to the invention may be adjusted in properties to make it suitable for use in those various ways. In some embodiments, the base (1) is sufficiently thick and / or rigid to keep its form if placed on a floor and exposed to feeding behaviour by an animal, such as side to side movements of a head that is positioned between the protrusions (2). In some embodiments, the base (1) is made of rubber or a similar material, and is between 1 cm and 5 cm thick, or between 0,5 cm and 10 cm thick, or between 1 cm and 10 cm thick.

[0047] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise a base (1) made of several elongated base (1) elements with protrusions (2) arranged to make the protrusions form an obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head.

[0048] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention has elongated base (1) elements made of a metal and assembled in an X like pattern to create the obstacle with their protrusions (2).

[0049] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention is for attaching to the surface such as the floor, wall or trough.

[0050] In some embodiments, the device according to any of the previous embodiments comprise a scent or other alluring smell to attract the animal or to provide an incentive for the animal to do food searching behaviour or rummaging behaviour on the device. The device may have different designs characterised by all having a base (1) with a number of protrusions (2). The number, length and pattern of the protrusions may vary depending on the purpose. If the device is for feeding e.g. pigs or dogs, by placing food on the base (1), the number and position of the protrusions (2) on the base (1) must be adjusted to allow space for the food. In some such embodiments, the device according to the invention, the protrusions (2) placed on the base (1) allowing space for food placed on the base (1).

[0051] In some embodiments, the device is to stimulate the natural feeding behaviour of pigs and other animals when feeding. In such embodiments, the invention provides a feed trough or insert for feed trough comprising a base (1) having a number of protrusions (2), wherein the protrusions (2) are flexible and placed in a sufficient amount and pattern to be a surmountable obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head.

[0052] In some embodiments, the feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the invention, comprise protrusions (2) positioned in a regular or irregular pattern.

[0053] In order to provide a surmountable obstacle for the animal, such as for the pig, the feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the invention have protrusions (2) positioned in an about 90- degree angle from the surface of the base (1) or mat (1) inside the trough.

[0054] The obstacle formed by the protrusions must be surmountable for the animal, why the distance between protrusions must be so that the animal can insert its head and reach the space behind the top end of the protrusions with the head. The protrusions may also be flexible, in which case the distance between protrusions on the device may be shorter. In some such embodiments, the feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the invention, comprise flexible protrusions (2) allowing the animal to push them aside.

[0055] In some such embodiments, the protrusions (2) are flexible pin like protrusions (2).

[0056] In some embodiments, the protrusions (2) are flexible due to the flexibility of the base or mat (1) to which they attach. In some embodiments, the protrusions (2) themselves are flexible.

[0057] In order to create a sufficiently challenging obstacle for the animal, the length of the protrusions (2) may differ, in order to create an obstacle at different heights above the base (1)

[0058] In some embodiments, the feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the invention comprise protrusions, (2) all of the same length. In some embodiments, the feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the invention, comprise protrusions (2) of an uneven length to create more than a single layer of obstacles, and / or to ensure that there is an obstacle preventing easy insertion of the animal head from the sides of the device.

[0059] In some embodiments, the feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the invention comprise protrusions (2) having different length, such as protrusions (2) having at least 2 different lengths. In some embodiments. The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the invention, wherein the protrusions (2) are between 5 and 50 cm high (long), such as between 5 cm and 40 cm in length.

[0060] In some embodiments, the device of the invention comprises protrusions (2) that take up more space in the top part of the protrusion (2) than in the part at the base (1). In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise protrusions (2), wherein some or all of the protrusions (2) are to take up more space in the top part than at the base (1).

[0061] The protrusions (2) may in different ways be made to take up more space at the top than at the base (1). In one embodiment, the device according to the invention comprise protrusions (2), wherein one or more of the protrusions (2) are split in the top end to form two or more ends that will bend out in different directions and thus create an obstacle for pushing an animals head down between the protrusions (2).

[0062] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise protrusions (2), wherein some or all the protrusions (2) are thicker at the top end than at the end attached to the base (1). In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise protrusions (2), wherein the top end of the protrusions (2) comprises ball (3) like structures of a round or of an irregular shape. It is important for the function of the device that the base (1) is relatively securely positioned on a surface, such as in a feed trough, on a floor or on a wall. In some embodiments, the device of the invention is an insert for a feed trough, wherein the base (1) is made of a flexible material that allows adjustment to fit the shape of the inside of a feed trough. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention is an insert for a feed trough comprising a base (1) and a number of protrusions (2), wherein the base is made of rubber or plastic or other flexible material and is between 0,1 cm and 5 cm thick.

[0063] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention is an insert for a feed trough comprising an elongated base (1) and a number of protrusions (2), wherein the elongated base (1) elements are made of a metal and assembled in an X like pattern to create the obstacle with their protrusions (2).

[0064] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise a base (1) and a number of protrusions (2), wherein the base is flat to be suitable for placing on a floor or attaching on a wall. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise a base (1) and a number of protrusions (2), wherein the base (1) has at least 2 protrusions (2) / 100 cm2on the mat, such as between 1 and 25 protrusions (2) / 100 cm2. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise a base (1) and a number of protrusions (2), wherein the base (1) has at least 50 protrusions (2) / m2on the mat, such as between 50 and 500 protrusions (2) / m2. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention comprise a base (1) and a number of protrusions (2), wherein the distance between protrusions (2) top ends are between 0 cm and 20 cm, such as between 0 cm and 15 cm, such as between 0 cm and 10 cm, such as between 0 cm and 5 cm.

[0065] In some embodiments, the device according to the invention, comprise a base (1) having the shape of a mat and a number of protrusions (2) to the mat, wherein the base (1) is 0,1 cm and 5 cm thick, and wherein the distance between protrusion’s (2) top ends are between 0 cm and 20 cm, and wherein between 1 and 25 protrusions (2) are attached to each 100 cm2of the base (1), and wherein the average length of protrusions (2) are between 5 cm and 50 cm.

[0066] The device according to the invention may be for use in a method of feeding animals such as pigs or dogs or other domesticated animals. Such a feeding method will satisfy some of the animals such as the pigs need for using its instincts in a challenging food seeking behaviour.

[0067] In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of feeding pigs or piglets comprising the steps of: a. Providing a feed trough comprising the device comprising a base (1) and a number of protrusions (2) according to the invention, b. Pouring food into the trough so the food is positioned at the mat (1) or behind the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2) c. Allowing the pig or piglet to feed from the trough

[0068] The animals need to use its instincts may also be satisfied outside the feed trough by placing the device according to the invention on the floor or fastening it on a wall available to the animal.

[0069] In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of stimulating normal food seeking behaviour in an animal such as in a pig comprising the steps of: a. Providing a device according to anyone of the previous embodiments, b. Optionally place food or scent of food or other alluring composition on the mat (1) or behind the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2), c. Allowing the animal such as a dog, a pig or piglet access to the device to search for food

[0070] Satisfying the natural instincts of domesticated animals such as pigs or dogs may have significant beneficial impact on their behaviour and wellbeing.

[0071] In some embodiments, the invention provides a method to prevent aggressive behaviour such as tail-biting in piggery comprising the steps of: a. Providing one or more devices according to anyone the preceding embodiments in a pig pen and / or b. Apply the methods according to any of the previous embodiments In one embodiment according to the previous embodiment, the pig pen comprise at least one feed trough comprising a device according to the invention and / or at least one device according to the invention placed outside of the feed trough.

[0072] Examples

[0073] Example 1

[0074] A device was made having a rubber base (1) between 0,5 cm and 4 cm thick and measuring 30 cm wide and 45 cm long. It had 25 protrusions (2) that were between 20 cm and 25 cm long. A rubber ball (3) was attached on top of each protrusion. The amount of protrusions correspond to 200 protrusions / m2.

[0075] The device was placed in a trough. Dog food was poured into the device from above, and a dog was allowed to investigate if it could access the food located on the base (1). The dog was immediately interested and able to reach down to the food with its snout, but had to push the balls aside in order to do so. Once it had the snout inserted in the device, the dog was not able to move its head from side to side. In order to reach food at a new location on the base, the dog had to withdraw the head and insert it at a new location.

[0076] After the feeding experiment had finished the trough with the device was rinsed with water. The cleaning process was easy and efficient, confirming that the device will be efficient in use, both from the point of view to provide a challenge for the animal in feeding, and from the point of view of the farmer or animal owner when maintaining a clean device.

[0077] The device tested may be seen with the dog feeding in figure 1.

[0078] Items

[0079] 1) A device for stimulation of natural feeding search behaviour in animals comprising a base (1) having on one side a number of protrusions (2), wherein the protrusions (2) are placed in sufficient amount and pattern to create an obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head, and wherein the protrusions (2) have a position and flexibility that allows for an animal to push the head through the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2) to reach the base (1).

[0080] 2) The device according to item 1 , wherein the average length of protrusions (2) are at least 5 cm long. ) The device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the average length of protrusions (2) are between 5 cm and 50 cm, such as between 11 cm and 40 cm in length. ) A device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the Youngs modulus of the protrusions (2) are between 0,05 GPa and 450 GPa. ) A device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the average diameter of the protrusions (2) are between 0,2 cm and 6 cm. ) A device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the protrusions (2) are optimized for animals capable of executing a force between 0,4-25 N force / body weight, and a deflection (sigma max) of 4 cm or more, such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 cm. ) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein some or all of the protrusions (2) are made so they take up more space in the top part than at the base (1) ) The device according to item 7, wherein one or more of the protrusions (2) are split in the top end to form two or more ends that will bend out in different directions and thus create an obstacle for pushing an animals head down between the protrusions (2). ) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein some or all the protrusions (2) are thicker at the top end than at the end attached to the base (1). 0) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the top end of the protrusions (2) comprises ball (3) like structures of a round or of an irregular shape. 1) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the protrusions (2) are of an uneven length, so that the ends of the protrusions (2) or the balls (3) form more than one layer of obstacles for an animal trying to reach the base (1) with their head. 2) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the protrusion (2) flexibility come from the point of attachment to the base (1) or wherein the protrusion (2) itself is flexible. 3) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the base (1) is a mat (1). ) The device according to item 13, wherein the mat (1) is made of a flexible material. ) The device according to item 13, wherein the base is a mat made of rubber or a similar flexible material. ) The device according to the previous item, wherein the mat (1) is sufficiently flexible to allow it to adjust to the inner shape of a trough. ) The device according to the previous item, wherein the mat (1) is made to be positioned in a trough with a rounded inner surface, and the length of some or all of the protrusions (2) at the edges of the base (1) is shorter than those at the middle of the base (1), to make them form an obstacle against easily entering the head of the animal from the sides of the device. ) The device according to any of items 1-15, wherein the base (1) is sufficiently thick and / or rigid to keep its form if placed on a floor and exposed to feeding behaviour by an animal, such as side to side movements of a head that is positioned between the protrusions (2). ) The device according to item 18, wherein the base (1) is made of rubber or a similar material, and is between 1 cm and 5 cm thick, or between 0,5 cm and 10 cm thick, or between 1 cm and 10 cm thick. ) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the base (1) is made of several elongated base (1) elements with protrusions (2) arranged to make the protrusions form an obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head. ) The device according to item 21, wherein the elongated base (1) elements are made of a metal and assembled in an X like pattern to create the obstacle with their protrusions (2). ) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the device is for attaching to the surface such as the floor or trough. ) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the device comprise a scent or other alluring smell to attract the animal or to provide an incentive for the animal to do food searching behaviour or rummaging behaviour on the device. ) The device according to any of the previous items, wherein the protrusions (2) allow space for food placed on the base (1). ) Feed trough or insert for feed trough comprising a base (1) having a number of protrusions (2), wherein the protrusions (2) are flexible and placed in a sufficient amount and pattern to be a surmountable obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to the previous item, wherein the feed trough or insert for feed trough comprise protrusions (2) positioned in a regular or irregular pattern. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to item 25 or 26, wherein the protrusions (2) are positioned in an about 90-degree angle from the surface or mat (1) inside the trough. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-27, wherein the protrusions (2) are flexible to allow an animal to push them aside. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-28, wherein the protrusions (2) are flexible pin like protrusions (2). ) The feed trough or insert for feed through according to any of items 25-29, wherein the protrusion (2) material are made of materials with a Young’s modulus of between 0,05 GPa and 450 GPa. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-29, wherein the protrusions (2) are flexible due to the flexibility of the base or mat (1) to which they attach. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-31 , wherein the protrusions (2) themselves are flexible. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-32, wherein the protrusions (2) are optimized for animals capable of executing a force between 0,4-25 N force / body weight, and a deflection (sigma max) of 4 cm or more, such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 cm ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-34, wherein the protrusions (2) all are of a similar length. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-34, wherein the protrusions (2) are of an uneven length to create more than a single layer of obstacles, and / or to ensure that there is an obstacle preventing easy insertion of the animal head from the sides of the device. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according item 35, protrusions (2) having different length, such as protrusions (2) having at least 2 different lengths. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-36, wherein the protrusions (2) are between 5 and 50 cm high (long), such as between 5 cm and 40 cm in length. ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-37, wherein some or all of the protrusions (2) are to take up more space in the top part than at the base (1). ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to item 38, wherein one or more of the protrusions (2) are split in the top end to form two or more ends that will bend out in different directions and thus create an obstacle for pushing an animals head down between the protrusions (2). ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to any of items 25-39, wherein some or all the protrusions (2) are thicker at the top end than at the end attached to the base (1). ) The feed trough or insert for feed trough according to item 40, wherein the top end of the protrusions (2) comprises ball (3) like structures of a round or of an irregular shape. ) Insert for feed trough according to any one of items 25-41 , wherein the base (1) is made of a flexible material that allows the base to adjust to the shape of the inside of a feed trough. ) Insert for feed trough according to any of the two previous items, wherein the base is made of rubber or plastic or other flexible material and is between 0,1 cm and 5 cm thick. ) The device according to any of items 25-42, wherein the elongated base (1) elements are made of a metal and assembled in an X like pattern to create the obstacle with their protrusions (2). ) A method of feeding pigs or piglets comprising the steps of: a. Providing a feed trough according to any of items 25 - 44, b. Pouring food into the trough so the food is positioned at the mat (1) or behind the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2) c. Allowing the pig or piglet to feed from the trough ) A method of stimulating normal food seeking behaviour in an animal such as in a pig comprising the steps of: a. Providing a device according to anyone of items 1 - 44, b. Optionally place food or scent of food or other alluring composition on the mat (1) or behind the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2), c. Allowing the animal such as a dog, a pig or piglet access to the device to search for food ) A method to prevent aggressive behaviour such as tail-biting in piggery comprising the steps of: a. Providing one or more devices according to anyone of items 1 - 44, in a pig pen and / or b. Apply the methods according to any of items 45 and 46 ) The method according to item 47, wherein the pig pen comprise at least one feed trough according to any one of items 25-44 and / or at least one device according to anyone of items 1-21 placed outside of the feed trough.

Claims

Claims1) A device for stimulation of natural feeding search behaviour in animals comprising a base(1) having on one side a number of protrusions (2), wherein the protrusions (2) are placed in sufficient amount and pattern to create an obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head, and wherein the protrusions (2) have a position and / or flexibility that allows for an animal to push the head through the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2) to reach the base (1).2) The device according to claim 1, wherein the base (1) is a mat between 0,1 cm - 5 cm thick, and wherein the distance between protrusion’s (2) top ends are between 0 cm and 20 cm, and between 1 and 25 protrusions (2) are attached to each 100 cm2of the base (1).3) The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average length of protrusions (2) are between 11cm and 50 cm.4) A device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the Yong’s modulus of the protrusions (2) are between 0,050 - 450 GPa5) A device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the average diameter of one or more of the protrusions are at least 0,2 cm.6) A device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the protrusions (2) are optimized for animals capable of executing a force between 0,4-25 N force / body weight, and a deflection (sigma max) of 4 cm or more7) The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein some or all of the protrusions(2) are made so they take up more space in the top part than at the base (1)8) The device according to claim 7, wherein the top end of the protrusions (2) comprises ball(3) like structures of a round or of an irregular shape.9) The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the protrusions (2) are of an uneven length, so that the ends of the protrusions (2) or the balls (3) form more than one layer of obstacles for an animal trying to reach the base (1) with their head.10) Feed trough or insert for feed trough comprising a device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the protrusions (2) are flexible and placed in a sufficient amount and pattern to be a surmountable obstacle for an animal that wish to reach the base (1) with its head.11) Insert for feed trough according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the base (1) is made of a flexible material that allows the base to adjust to the shape of the inside of a feed trough.12) Insert for feed trough according to any of claims 10-11, wherein the base is made of rubber or plastic or other flexible material and is between 0,1 cm and 5 cm thick.13) Insert for feed trough according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the protrusions are made of metal or of rubber.14) Insert for feed trough according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the protrusions are not made of fabric.15) A method of stimulating normal food seeking behaviour in an animal such as in a pig comprising the steps of: a. Providing a device according to anyone of claims 1 - 12, b. Optionally place food or scent of food or other alluring composition on the base (1) such as the mat (1) or behind the obstacle formed by the protrusions (2), c. Allowing the animal such as a dog, a pig or piglet access to the device to search for food

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