Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Positive Stockmanship Indicators

Positive stockmanship profoundly affects pig welfare. Human-animal relationships on farms can be assessed and improved through specific measurable indicators.

Key Facts

Pigs on farms with positive human-animal relationships show less fear and better welfare
Approach tests measure pig fear of humans as a welfare indicator
Calm, consistent handling reduces chronic stress in pig populations
Stockman training programmes improve welfare outcomes measurably
Positive stockmanship correlates with better production outcomes and fewer injuries

Welfare Considerations

Stockmanship quality is one of the most important determinants of pig welfare. Farm-level assessment and improvement of human-animal relationships is a tractable, cost-effective welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support stockmanship training programmes for farm workers
Advocate for stockmanship quality assessment in farm welfare audits
Choose products from farms with strong human-animal relationship programmes
Learn about the science linking stockmanship to animal welfare outcomes