Mapping pig welfare best practices across the five domains model along the production chain, with emphasis on behaviour

Abstract

Within the five domains model, behaviour is one of the four physical domains (Nutrition, Environment, Health, and Behaviour) that influence the mental state domain and overall welfare of animals. However, the relative emphasis placed on behavioural interventions across the production chain is rarely quantified, despite their potential to promote positive welfare. This study quantified how often behaviour was targeted in best practices (BPs) designed to improve pig welfare in three locations: on farm, during transport, and at slaughter. A desk-based inventory of BPs was compiled within the internal project (SOA17) of the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare