The new challenge of crate-free housing in farrowing
Europe is preparing to eliminate farrowing crates in the next few years... Are farmers ready? Will this benefit the sows? What about the piglets?
Page 11 of articles about behaviour-welfare
UK Pig Industry Welfare Training platform launched
Everyone involved in the care, moving, and handling of pigs on farm needs to complete the training by August 31, 2022, as part of Red Tractor standards.
UK: Support for improving animal health and welfare
The UK has set out plans for government funded vet visits, grants for animal welfare improvements, and health and welfare priorities for the swine industry.
European Parliament: adoption of the AGRI Implementation Report on on-farm welfare
On-farm animal welfare rules: MEPs call for clarity and uniform implementation.
Effect of environmental enrichment and group size on water use and waste in grower-finisher pigs
A high enrichment allowance reduced water usage and wastage.
EFSA: open consultation on welfare of farmed animals
EFSA has launched an open consultation on the draft guidance methodology it will use for a series of scientific opinions on the welfare of farmed animals.
University of Göttingen: Virtual tours make pig farming more transparent
University of Göttingen researchers investigate use of virtual reality glasses and tablet screens.
The pig castration situation in the European Union
Castration remains prevalent in European countries, although the systems used differ from country to country.
Effect of space allowance and mixing on growth performance and body lesions of grow-finish pigs
Mixing had a considerable effect on growth performance and there were a high number of body lesions in the lower space allowance.
EU: MEPs adopt recommendations regarding animal transport
MEPs call on EU countries to respect animal welfare during transport and to transition to transporting meat and not live animals.
Early socialisation in group lactation system reduces post-weaning aggression in piglets
Early socialised piglets may have better social skills when meeting familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics after weaning.
High-level conference to shape EU animal welfare legislation
Policy options were debated on animal welfare labelling, the phasing out of cages, transport, slaughter and on-farm welfare.
France: Farms required to designate an animal welfare reference person
This new obligation is accompanied by training for pig and poultry farm reference persons.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of measures to reduce tail biting lesions
At lower risk levels, the provision of point-source objects and other less costly but relatively effective measures can play an important role.
EU: MEPs urge a shift from live animal to meat-and-carcass transport
Parliament’s committee of inquiry into the protection of animals during transport adopted its conclusions and recommendations.
Time budgets of group-housed pigs in relation to social aggression and production
Pig behavior continues to change for up to 9 wk after introduction into a new social group.