Emma M. Baxter - Böcker

Advances in Pig Welfare, Second Edition continues its complete coverage of the field with fully updated information and analysis of current issues in the key areas of pig welfare. It is a comprehensive review covering both recent developments and persistent welfare issues. The book has been expanded with 10 new chapters addressing the most relevant and significant issues in industry with a more global perspective.The book is divided into four sections, starting with an introduction (Part 1) to major topics in pig welfare, such as pigs' needs, including affective states and positive animal welfare. Part two provides an overview of production systems and reviews welfare hotspots and mitigation. Part three covers pig welfare management topics, such as pig-human interactions and precision livestock farming. Global perspectives on pig welfare, including economics, legislation, farmers attitudes and climate change, are covered in Part 4.Written by an international team of renowned researchers in the field, the book continues to be a useful resource for practicing vets involved in welfare assessment, welfare research scientists and students, and indeed, anyone with a professional interest in the welfare of pigs.

Provides the most recent research findings related to pig welfareIncludes factors that affect pig welfare, how to practically control these factors, and the impact that these factors have on animal healthNew chapters include topics on affective states, economics, sow longevity, environmental enrichment, climate change, farmer perspectives and precision livestock technologie

This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on improving piglet welfare.The first chapter reviews the main welfare challenges faced during farrowing and lactation, including the occurrence of painful husbandry procedures, such as tooth resection, tail docking and castration. The chapter also highlights various mitigation strategies that can be implemented to optimise the welfare of both sows and piglets in the farrowing environment.The second chapter addresses some of the main welfare concerns that can arise during the weaning and nursery stage as a result of separation between piglet and sow and exposure to a new environment. The chapter also summarises the most important fields of environmental, nutritional and social stress and how these experiences can be mitigated with the correct strategies.The third chapter considers the demand for improved welfare and animal handling systems from governments, non-governmental organisations and consumers. The chapter reviews recent advancements in technology that have the potential to improve animal wellbeing, profitability and performance during the weaning period.The final chapter discusses the main etiological agents acting in the period of transition from weaning, the risk factors for their introduction and diffusion within the farm and the main measures available for their control.