Animal Welfare and Production Challenges Associated with Pasture Pig Systems: A Review

Silvana Pietrosemoli,Clara Tang

doi:10.3390/agriculture10060223

Silvana Pietrosemoli, Clara Tang

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10060223

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Abstract

A review of published literature was conducted to identify pasture pig production system features that pose risks to animal welfare, and to develop recommendations aimed at improving the wellbeing of the animals managed in those systems. Pasture pig production systems present specific challenges to animal welfare that are inherent to the nature of these systems where producers have little room to make improvements. However, these systems present other challenges that could be reduced with a carefully designed system, by adopting appropriate management strategies and by avoiding management practices that are likely to negatively affect animal wellbeing. In pasture pig production systems, exposure to extreme temperatures, potential contact with wildlife and pathogens (especially parasites), vulnerability to predators, risk of malnutrition, pre-weaning piglet mortality, complexity of processes for monitoring and treating sick animals, and for cleaning and disinfection of facilities and equipment are among the main threats to animal welfare.

Highlights

The new millennium brought a worldwide growing interest for animal welfare [1]
The previous rearing environment, management, pig health, wetness, filthiness conditions of pens and paddocks, and stocking rates can lead to unexpected responses to the pasture systems [28]
Challenges to animal welfare can be found in most pig production systems

Summary

Introduction

The new millennium brought a worldwide growing interest for animal welfare [1]. Consumer demand for better production practices contributed to the development of responsible production systems in which animal welfare principles are incorporated into daily management practices. These systems are generating animal products that represent an alternative to satisfy niche-markets customers who require ethically sourced, safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly-produced goods. For this reason, one can infer that animal welfare presents ethical and productive implications. The multidimensional character of the welfare concept complicates reaching a consensus around a unique definition [2]

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Conclusion