Which of the following are symptoms of overcrowding in pigs?

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Overcrowding in pigs can lead to a variety of stress-related issues, and the symptoms listed reflect the impacts of this condition on their health and well-being.

Reduced gain is a significant symptom of overcrowding because when pigs are packed too closely together, they often experience heightened stress levels that can hinder their growth. Stress can lead to a variety of physiological changes, such as reduced appetite and less efficient nutrient absorption, resulting in lower weight gain.

Increased feed consumption is an interesting symptom because, in overcrowded conditions, while some pigs may consume more feed in an attempt to cope with stress, this does not translate into growth improvement. Instead, the stress from competition for resources can lead to a scenario where even increased consumption does not help with weight gain and can even lead to waste.

Tail biting, which is a behavioral symptom, is also commonly connected to stress in overcrowded conditions. When pigs are kept in tight spaces, they may exhibit aggressive behaviors such as tail biting due to frustration, boredom, or competition. This behavior not only affects the affected pigs but can also lead to further stress on the entire group, exacerbating the situation.

Together, these symptoms illustrate the negative consequences of overcrowding, making "all of the above" the correct interpretation

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