Strategies to improve pig welfare

Literature revision

Abstract

As in all sectors of animal production, pig farming undergoes a constant process of remodeling. Currently, animal welfare is one of the central themes of this process since it is closely linked to the context of sustainability of production models, has a legislative dimension, and can be a tool for conquering a differentiated market niche.

Welfare in swine production is a highly comprehensive topic; to study it, it is necessary to master its definition and measurement methods. The metric used to measure it was shaped with the implementation of new definitions and terms over the years, and the concept of five domains is currently used – (1) nutrition, (2) environment, (3) health, (4) behavioral interactions and (5) mental state.