Common welfare problems in growing pigs

Area

Criteria

Common welfare problems in piglets

1. Good feeding

No prolonged thirst

Water supply?

2. Good housing

Ease of movement

High stocking density, dark, high ammonia levels

Thermal comfort

Too hot/cold/humid

3. Good health

Free from physical injuries

Tail biting, fighting

Free from diseases

Respiratory diseases, Joint disease and lameness

4. Appropriate behaviour

Animals should have a positive emotional state

Negative emotional states, eg: frustration, anxiety/ fear (bullying)

Able to express species-typical behaviours

No rooting

Good human-animal relationships

Fear