Diet and microbiota-gut-brain axis in relation to tail biting in pigs
While tail biting is multifactorial, an imbalance in the microbiota-gut-brain axis, modulated via the diet, should be considered as a pathway for the development of tail biting.
Page 12 of articles about behaviour-welfare
Classification of pig calls produced from birth to slaughter according to emotional valence and context of production
Results suggest that an automated recognition system can be developed to monitor pig welfare on-farm.
Aggressive and defeated pigs begin agonistic encounters with more negative emotions
Less aggressive pigs may be more susceptible to the emotional impact of victory and defeat but overall, more aggressive pigs express more negative emotionality at the start of agonistic encounters.
EU: New study unveils how the CAP is contributing to animal welfare and antimicrobial use reduction
The study provides a snapshot of the situation regarding animal welfare and use of antimicrobials throughout the EU.
Tip for easy pre-weaning socialization
Allowing piglets to interact with the neighboring litter via an opening could reduce aggression at weaning.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear case against Proposition 12
The National Pork Producers Council argues that Proposition 12 violates the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause.
Effects of cooled floor pads and chilled drinking water on behavior and performance of lactating sows under heat stress
Cooled floor pads combined with chilled drinking water did not affect sow behavior, but did alleviate heat stress partially.
The use of attractants to stimulate neonatal piglet interest in rope enrichment
The aim of this study was to determine if enrichment ropes would entice neonatal piglets away from the sow and reduce preweaning mortality.
Tip: Straw access for sows in the farrowing pen
Placement of the straw is important to give the sow access on days where she is confined and when she is loose.
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?
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.