Improving the welfare of growing and finishing pigs

This book features four peer-reviewed reviews on improving the welfare of growing and finishing pigs. The first chapter begins by defining animal welfare in the context of pig production.

The chapter discusses pig behaviour and how this can be affected by intensive production systems, group size, living conditions, as well as systems for monitoring animal health and care. The second chapter explores the relationship between nutrition management and physical and social environments on the welfare of finishing pigs.

The chapter also considers the use of environmental enrichment as a means of mitigating aggressive forms of behaviour, such as tail biting. The third chapter provides a detailed overview of recent research findings on the effects of transport, handling and slaughter practices on the behavioural and physiological responses of pigs.

The chapter also reviews how these pre-slaughter practices can impact carcass and meat quality and potentially result in loss of profits. The final chapter discusses best practices for optimising the general management of growing finishing pigs to improve overall herd health.

The chapter considers the impact of substandard herd management and the consequent increased risk of outbreaks of respiratory or digestive diseases, ulcers, lameness, prolapses, tail biting and other conditions.