On Farm Monitoring of Pig Welfare

Authors: Edited by: A. Velarde and R. Geers
The objective of this book is to provide a scientificly-based outline for how to evaluate the welfare of pigs at a farm level. Attention is focused on the assessment of the validation of the inferred indicators and parameters, and the validity, reliability and the feasibility of the measuring methods.

The book includes mainly animal-based paramenters, although other environmentally-based and management-based parameters are also described. These issues are elaborated by well-known experts in their field of work, i.e. fundamental and applied research on all aspects related to the production of pigs. This unique approach has added-value compared to other books because ideas developed in laboratory conditions are discussed here in relation to constraints experienced in field work.

Readers from various disciplines will find this critical analysis of the on-farm monitoring of pig welfare useful in relation to the development of certification procedures, the evaluation of production systems (farm, transport, slaughter), the analysis and solving of welfare related problems and in the development of new research projects.

Availability: In Print
Publication date: 2007
Binding: Hardback
Dimensions: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Extent:208 pp
ISBN: (10 Digit) 90-8686-025-7 (13 Digit) 978-90-8686-025-8

Book Contents

General introduction
Lying behaviour (location, posture and duration)
Lying down and standing up behaviour
Fear of humans
Stereotypies
Apathy
Agonistic behaviour
Tail biting, ear biting and cannibalism
Vulva biting
Surgical interventions
Bursitis
Skin lesions
Lameness
Mortality
Illness status
Reproduction problems
Body condition score
Cleanliness
Space allowance
Quality, type and amount of bedding
Floor type
Recreational devices
Environmental temperature
Other environmental parameters
Quality of stockpersonship
Remote monitoring
Welfare parameters related to welfare needs
Guidelines to develop a monitoring tool for on farm application
Acknowledgement to COST Action
Index