Animal category: Pigs

Written answer to a parliamentary question on the measures taken by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food in respect of the failings found in abattoirs  and whether a general audit of French abattoirs is under consideration, along with the compulsory publication of annual reports on compliance with standards and regulations.

A scientific review of the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and then assess emotions in livestock.  These developments call for a multidisciplinary approach that combines affective computing, bioengineering and applied ethology to overcome both theoretical and practical obstacles.

A scientific paper to determine the influence of temperature and air enthalpy variations in live pig transport vehicles using welfare indicators. It shows that such variations are greater in winter, and are associated with higher cortisol and lower blood glucose levels in pigs, both indicators of heat stress.

Scientific paper comparing 12 animal welfare labels used for pork meat, revealing considerable variations between labels, with the least stringent barely exceeding the minimum standards imposed by EU regulations, and the most stringent being on a par with organic standards.

Scientific paper examining whether the tail position of pigs in a pen can be a predictive indicator for the occurrence of tail biting, taking into account the social structure of the group of penned pigs.

Scientific paper comparing the influence of two ventilation systems (natural and mechanical) on the behaviour and welfare of fattening pigs. It concludes that the mechanical system is associated with a more positive emotional state in the pigs, but that in both systems high temperatures are associated with heat stress, and that the welfare state of the animals decreases during the last phases of fattening.

A scientific review of the state of the art of 3D imaging systems and 2D cameras as an efficient means to identify pig behaviour. It describes automated methods for the monitoring and study of feeding, watering, lying, locomotion, aggression and reproductive behaviour in pigs.

Answer to a question about serious non-compliance found on a Portuguese vessel carrying live calves where poor welfare conditions were evident.

Scientific paper investigating the impact of pig housing conditions on the incidence of tail lesions. It shows that keeping piglets in their farrowing pen during the lactation period significantly reduces the incidence of tail lesions and mortality in full-tailed pigs.

Technical article highlighting the importance of ethology in improving pig production. A better understanding of sow ethology can improve animal welfare, management, reproductive efficiency and, therefore, the profitability of the farm. The veterinarian has a new social and educational role to play in improving the welfare of sows and piglets. Staff also need to be trained in ethology, which will enable them to predict the behavioural profile of sows before the first farrowing, improve selection and reduce restraints on animal movement.