Farm Animals

Pig Welfare: Improving Genetic Health Screening

Genetic health screening in pig breeding programmes identifies and reduces heritable conditions that cause welfare problems.

Key Facts

Scientific evidence guides best practice in this welfare area
Welfare improvements are achievable at reasonable cost
Public awareness and consumer choice drive positive welfare change
Every informed person strengthens the animal welfare movement

Welfare Considerations

Screening breeding pigs for heritable conditions including hernias, leg weakness, and stress susceptibility enables selection decisions that reduce the prevalence of these welfare-relevant conditions in commercial pig populations over time.

What You Can Do

Learn more about this welfare topic from scientific sources
Support organisations working on this welfare issue
Make informed choices that support better welfare outcomes
Share knowledge about animal welfare with others