6 - Overview of commercial pig production systems and their main welfare challenges

Abstract

The chapter starts with an overview of common pig production systems across the life cycle of the pig. Thereafter, the welfare legislation setting minimum welfare standards for production in the EU is described. The bulk of the chapter then documents that the majority of the welfare problems still remaining are related to close confinement or lack of space, lack of enrichment and bulky feed, early weaning, and breeding for intensive production traits such as high prolificacy of sows. To make progress, there is a strong need for an open-minded and sustained collaboration between animal scientists, environmental scientists, and companies that develop equipment for the pig industry as well as stakeholders from both the industry and animal welfare organisations. Important focus areas are mentioned such as a continued development of non-confinement housing systems for sows, development of feedstuff with bulkiness, balancing breeding goals with productivity and welfare, and development of slurry systems that can handle larger amounts of organic materials.