Ethological evaluation of pig welfare under different keeping technologies in Siberian conditions

Abstract

The authors found that the system of keeping gestating sows on a breeding farm increases the risk of animal welfare related to technological problems and insufficient staff training (contamination, human fear, local infections, inflammation of joints). The negative impact of industrial technology on the welfare of gestating sows is manifested in the increased frequency of torso injuries and fear of humans. Limb problems in sows on a farm kept without walking are related to a low management level, as no such problems were observed in the industrial complex. The welfare of sows on small farms can be ensured by improving the technological level of production and the skills of maintenance personnel.