Page 8 of articles about behaviour-welfare in Press releases

Assessment systems to evaluate the quality of animal welfare on farms or at slaughter, have been developed by researchers of the European research project Welfare Quality®. These systems for 7 livestock species are founded upon animal-based measures. The systems combine a science-based methodology for assessing farm animal welfare with a standardised way of integrating this information to assign farms and slaughterhouses to one of four categories (from poor to excellent animal welfare).

Temperatures are already dropping sharply at night so pig producers should make sure all flaps and fans in their buildings are working properly and that doors are closed at night.

The practical stage of a major new research project looking at welfare-friendly alternatives to the farrowing crate has just got under way with the building and evaluation of prototype designs.

Following the recent hot weather, growth rates among growing and finishing pigs can be expected to slow. So stocking densities need particularly attention, says Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company, ACMC Ltd.

As part of Sweden’s efforts to strengthen animal welfare in the EU and internationally, the Ministry of Agriculture is arranging a conference on animal welfare during the Swedish Presidency of the EU.

On the 24th of March 2009 a Welfare Quality® programme for stakeholders was held in Spain. The dedicated meeting `Integración del bienestar animal en la cadena alimentaria: evaluación en granja e información al consumidor´ was organised during the IMAGA2009 exhibition in Zaragoza.

As we head towards the middle of spring, pig producers should review their ventilation systems advises Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company, ACMC Ltd.

Cargill Pork announced it has achieved eight priority animal welfare assurance objectives. Advancements are in the production, handling, transportation and harvest of hogs.