scope:

The welfare of farmed animals such as pigs is an increasing concern for consumers and regulatory agencies. This collection summaries and reviews the wealth of recent research on understanding pig behaviour and improving their welfare. After an initial review of genetic and developmental factors affecting pig behaviour, the book assesses ways of optimising pig welfare at differing production stages. Chapters cover breeding and gestation, farrowing and lactation, weaning, growing and finishing as well as transport, lairage and slaughter. The book then reviews our understanding of current welfare issues such as tail biting docking, castration and the impact of enrichment. The final part of the book assesses behavioural and emotional responses of pigs, welfare indicators and advances in technologies for monitoring pig behaviour and welfare.

Author: Sandra Edwards