Farm Animals

Pig Welfare Indicators and On-Farm Assessment

Animal-based welfare indicators used to assess pig welfare on farms as part of welfare assurance systems.

Key Facts

Animal-based indicators measure the actual welfare state of pigs
Key indicators include body condition, skin lesions, lameness, and tail biting
Welfare Quality protocol established a comprehensive indicator framework
On-farm assessment enables benchmarking and targeted improvement
Producer engagement is essential for effective welfare monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Shifting from resource-based to animal-based welfare assessment provides a more accurate picture of actual pig welfare and enables targeted improvements.

What You Can Do

Support farms using validated welfare assessment protocols
Advocate for animal-based indicators in welfare certification standards
Encourage knowledge sharing between producers on welfare best practice