Common welfare problems in piglets

Area

Criteria

Common welfare problems in piglets

1. Good feeding

No prolonged hunger

Competition at teats

2. Good housing

Ease of movement

Crushing by sow

3. Good health

Free of physical injuries

Crushing by sow; lameness on slatted floors

Free of disease

Early weaning; diarrhea

Should not suffer pain caused by procedures

Castration, tail docking, teeth clipping

4. Appropriate behaviour

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