Welfare Quality®: Farming measures
Here we present a brief summary of the different proposed measures of the Welfare Quality® protocol for the evaluation of the welfare of the pigs on a farm.
Page 54 of articles about behaviour-welfare
Tail biting induces a strong acute phase response and tail-end inflammation in finishing pigs
The extent of inflammation associated with tail biting in finishing pigs was evaluated. Tail histopathology, carcass condemnation and the concentration of three acute phase proteins (APPs), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp), were examined in 12 tail-bitten and 13 control pigs.
European Union - Half of European shoppers will buy more ethical food and drink in the future
Half (49%) of shoppers across four European countries expect to be buying more food and grocery products with ethical credentials in the future, according to new consumer research published by international food and grocery analysts IGD.
Daylength controller improves pig welfare and saves money
The Farmex Dicam Daylength Controller is a software package that improves pig welfare, cuts costs and is good for the environment.
Post-weaning
The new test in the welfare section is dedicated to conditions during post-weaning.
Iowa Pork Industry Center to Offer PQA Plus® advisor training program
Veterinarians and others in Iowa’s pork industry have the opportunity to become Pork Quality Assurance Plus® Advisors under the National Pork Board's PQA Plus® program.
European Union revises laws to better protect animals used in scientific experiments
The European Parliament has voted to revise legislation on animals used for scientific purposes. The revised legislation, first proposed by the European Commission in 2008, will strengthen the protection of animals still needed for research and safety testing. The new directive will also play a significant role in minimising the number of animals used in experiments, and require alternatives to be used where possible, whilst ensuring a level playing field for EU industry and enhancing the quality of research conducted in the EU.
Philippines: DA fully supports the humane treatment of animals in adherence to the Animal Welfare Act of 1998
In his report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Director Efren C. Nuestro of the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said the law’s implementing rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the DA Secretary, was prepared by the DA Committee on Animal Welfare (DA-CAW), which conducted exhaustive consultations with stakeholders in several public hearings.
A multidisciplinary approach to assess the welfare of weaned pigs during transport at three space allowances
Combining behavioral and physiological measures of stress provides a robust picture of piglet welfare during transport at different space allowances.
Welfare Evaluation: Welfare Quality Protocol ®
The European Welfare Quality® project has developed systems to objectively evaluate animal welfare on farms and slaughterhouses in order to identify the causes of deficient wellbeing and to assess farmers on possible improvements.
Fattening: Cleanliness and feed
This new test has to do with the correct feed and levels of hygiene in the pens.
Playing and fighting by piglets around weaning on farms, employing individual or group housing of lactating sows
We assessed how piglets play, fighting and biting behaviour before and after weaning were affected by the housing system and weaning age as well as how the three behaviours are related to each other and piglet post-weaning weight gain.
Thompson’s tip: Creep mat temperature control is crucial
Many pig producers have replaced creep lamps with heat mats. Problems with overlying have been seen where these are set too hot and piglets choose not to lie on the mats, says Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company ACMC Ltd.