This study aimed to evaluate animal welfare on Slovenian commercial pig farms. For this
purpose, we visited and professionally evaluated 14 intensive pig farms using a standardized
protocol. We assessed several aspects of animal welfare: (1) general status, (2) animal
behaviour, (3) health status, (4) living conditions, and (5) environmental conditions. Each
aspect consisted of at least five parameters and was scored on a 5 – point scale. Farmers’ actions
significantly influence animal welfare. To gather relevant information, we interviewed 14 pig
farmers using a questionnaire. We studied the discrepancy between the actual level of pigs’
welfare on the farm and the farmers’ assessment of how important they consider their pigs’
welfare to be. Additionally, we assessed the farmers’ general knowledge of animal welfare,
their opinion on their pigs’ welfare and asked them about the technology of their farms. The
results indicate that the state of pig welfare in Slovenian intensive farming systems is
acceptable, as farms meet minimum standards. The farms were assessed to have achieved the
highest welfare status regarding animal behaviour but the lowest regarding the pigs’ living
conditions. Several critical points affecting pigs’ welfare were identified, including inadequate
implementation of biosecurity measures; lack of thermometers and hygrometers on the farms;
inadequate measures by farmers to reduce aggression among pigs; use of inappropriate
enrichment material and no separation of pigs by different categories. It was observed that
farms led by older male farmers with lower levels of education who received vocational
training from various sources have slightly better welfare conditions on the farm, although the
differences are not statistically significant. The results obtained from the questionnaire indicate
that farmers consider animal welfare to be of great importance, regardless of the actual welfare
status on their farms. According to the farmers, the most important aspect of animal welfare is
the health status, whereas the environmental conditions are considered the least important.
Farmers demonstrate a good understanding of animal welfare and they generally have a
positive attitude towards the well-being of their pigs. They show empathy towards their
animals, particularly women and older farmers. However, they are unwilling to improve the
welfare status of their farms, which currently meet only the minimum required conditions.
Despite legal regulations, most farmers continue to dock their pigs' tails and clip their teeth to
prevent aggressive behaviour. Furthermore, most farmers believe that castration of pigs is
necessary and they often perform the procedure without providing analgesia.
|
