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Pig Journal Volume: 53
Publication date: May 2004

Proceedings Section

GETTING THE CORRECT PERSPECTIVE ON WELFARE
V. Beattie

Abstract
Any discussion on animal welfare poses the question whether animals have the capacity for consciousness. The second issue is, if they do, should animals be protected by law as sentient beings? The answers are ethical judgements and do not overall improve the welfare of farmed animals. A more practical, scientific approach was adopted in a series of experiments to improve the welfare of pigs. These experiments identified that behavioural vices may be redirected rooting behaviour, that space allowance per pig was not as critical as having something to root and that pigs preferred earth-like materials to root in. An enriching device was developed that allowed pigs to root and could be incorporated into standard intensive housing. This device eliminated tail biting. The principles of enrichment must be understood as work with sows revealed. Sawdust bedding in dynamic groups of sows reduced oral stereotypes, but increased aggression and injury as a consequence of increased exploratory behaviour. The conclusion is that the welfare of pigs in intensive housing can be improved, but only by understanding the behaviour of the animal.

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