How Housing Conditions Determine the Welfare of Pigs

Abstract

Humans who care for pigs prefer an environment that not only allows the pigs to express their natural behaviors but also limits the development of aggression and stereotypes. Most of the behavioral and health problems encountered by pigs in barren, conventional conditions are solved by alternative housing systems. However, it is not known whether these systems are advantageous in terms of the performance of pigs. In this work, we review the effects of housing systems on pigs’ behaviors and performance, which are among the major indicators of the welfare of these animals. Research results point out that outdoor systems are more ideal for sows and fatteners than buildings. Nonetheless, outdoor housing is associated with two major effects in both groups: increased activity due to environmental exploration and higher space allowance, and increased incidence of injuries compared to indoor systems. Sows are more active when housed in groups, but they experience an increased frequency of injuries. According to the literature, group-housed sows give birth to healthy piglets with good daily weight gains. The difference in the fattening and slaughter performance of pigs raised indoors vs. outdoors remains unclear, and the results reported so far are inconsistent. Outdoor systems seem to be associated with a higher incidence of osteochondrosis and lesions of elbow and hock joints, whereas indoor systems cause a greater degree of body soiling in pigs. Based on the reviewed literature, it may be concluded that outdoor housing helps to solve behavioral issues in pigs but leads to other problems in pig production.

Managing housing and stocking density to optimize health, welfare and production in pig herds

“…Whilst some authors suggest positive effects of outdoor access for swine health and welfare compared to confined, indoor systems, there is a general recognition that both outdoor and indoor systems can have potential negative effects (Ludwiczak et al, 2021). There is also now an extensive literature on how far suitable enrichment in well-designed indoor settings can meet pig health and welfare needs (Düpjan et al, 2021).…”

Let's talk about straw: the effect of information provision on consumers' attitudes towards pig husbandry systems

“…The media, the meat industry, and retailers frequently use images of pigs on straw floors as a marketing tool for signalling animal welfare. Indeed, using straw floors is associated with certain benefits for pigs, such as increased physical comfort (van de Weerd and Day, 2009), and species-specific behaviours like rooting (Ludwiczak et al. , 2021).…”

“…, 2019). Under certain conditions, for instance, when the temperature is high, pigs can even better cool off on slatted floors than on straw floors (Ludwiczak et al. , 2021).…”

“…, 2006). However, Ludwiczak et al. (2021) concluded in a recent review that “none of the described housing systems for pigs is perfect, and each has some negative effects on welfare, management and food safety” (p. 1).…”

Analysis of Physical Parameters and Chemical Composition of Offal From Puławska Fattening Pigs Raised in Deep Litter and Slatted Floor Housing Systems

“…The two basic housing systems of pigs are deep litter and slatted floor, each having its merits and shortcomings. One advantage of the deep-litter system is that the pigs can express their natural behaviour (rooting, nest building, prevention of abnormal behaviours), which is also beneficial in terms of the ethical quality of pork and offal harvesting as seen by consumers (Ludwiczak et al, 2021). Furthermore, this type of housing helps to minimise stress factors, which may have a positive effect on the quality of the slaughter raw material from pigs (Karpiesiuk et al, 2013).…”