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Subject: Welfare Issues Resulting from Restricted Feeding in Pregnant Sows
Target Audience:
Competent Authorities, Inspectors, and Policy Workers of EU Member States
In accordance with Council Directive 9858EC, animals should be fed appropriate diets that fulfill their physiological needs. However, pregnant sows are typically subjected to restricted feeding to prevent excessive body weight gn and potential complications during farrowing.
With the EURCAW-Pigs review as a tool for inspectors in EU member states, we m to enhance understanding of pig welfare concerns related to hunger-induced aggression and stereotypic behaviors. delves into the mechanisms and causes behind these sows' behavioral patterns associated with hunger. We also discuss preventive measures agnst welfare risks resulting from aggression and stereotypies, as well as suggestions for their measurement.
Feed restriction in pregnant sows leads to signs of hunger, such as increased aggression over access to feed competition, and an increase in stereotypical oral behaviors. Aggression levels are often exacerbated by certn management practices and housing conditions described within the review.
Hunger results in frustration that can manifest into stereotypies. Inspectors can measure these behaviors directly through observation or indirectly through indicators like skin lesions resulting from aggression during competition for feed resources.
To tackle welfare problems stemming from restricted feeding:
Reducing the Underlying Problem: Sows should feel more satiated during gestation by increasing dietary fiber content.
Mitigating Aggression and Stereotypies: Improving housing aspects such as space, flooring, substrates, feeding systems, and environment complexity helps in managing these issues.
Inspectors from EU member states are encouraged to contact EURCAW-Pigs at [email protected] for any comments or suggestions on enhancing this review. Your insights contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts towards improving pig welfare standards across Europe.
The featured image of tongue rolling was provided by The Farm Animal Welfare Database FLI and A. Schubbert.
EURCAW-Pigs
EURCAW-Pigs
EURCAW-Pigs
If you have questions or comments about this content, please use the following contact detls:
Eml: [email protected]
Website: EURCAW-Pigs Website
This article is reproduced from: https://eurcaw-pigs.eu/newsitem/welfare-issues-resulting-from-feed-restriction-in-pregnant-sows
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Restricted Feeding Welfare Concerns in EU Sows Hunger Induced Aggression in Pregnant Pigs Stereotypies and Frustration Management Strategies Increased Behavioral Indicators Measurement Tips Preventing Welfare Issues with Improved Housing EURCAW Pigs Review for Inspectors Guidance