The current scientific literature contains reviews and articles on specific aspects of pig production and farm animal welfare. This book is intended to be a reference text that covers all aspects of pig production, on the basis of scientific results.

This work contains current, easy-to-understand scientific reviews on animal welfare with over 700 specific references to animal welfare. All aspects of animal welfare with respect to pigs are discussed, from genetic selection and breeding to transportation and slaughter. This work was written by scientific experts renowned for their knowledge and work in the area of pig welfare. Their common goal was to provide an in-depth review and empirical assessment of pig production concepts, knowledge and techniques in use today. Through scientific examples, the authors explain how improving animal welfare increases profitability. This work is intended for academics, researchers, students, animal welfare associations, industry and anyone who is involved in the production chain or concerned about the welfare of pigs being raised on farms.

CONTENTS:

SECTION ONE: Welfare Concepts

SECTION TWO: Assessment of Pig welfare

SECTION THREE: The welfare of pregnant and lactating sows

SECTION FOUR: The welfare of piglets

SECTION FIVE: The welfare of growing-finishing pigs

SECTION SIX: The welfare of pigs during transport

SECTION SEVEN: Effects of preslaughter handling on stress response and meat

SECTION EIGHT: Welfare of pigs during stunning and slaughter

SECTION NINE: Breeding pigs for improved welfare

SECTION TEN: Human-pig relationships

SECTION ELEVEN: The welfare of pigs: a social, ethical and scientific issues