Improvement of animal welfare in swine growing-finishing facilities

Nine pig farms were selected for execution of the experimental trials from a sample of 40 farms for production of typical Italian heavy hogs: 5 farms with only the growing-fattening phases; 4 farms with the whole productive cycle. In these farms analyses were carried out to evaluate environmental conditions in the breeding facilities (“environmental diagnosis”). It was possible to identify the houses with a high hazard for health and/or welfare of pigs. Subsequently a detailed survey was executed, concerning the following parameters: a) productive performances; b) microclimatic conditions; c) behavior patterns; d) health state. Solutions for improving animal welfare were suggested for the different facilities, concerning different aspects: structures, equipment, feed distribution systems, management, etc. After the adoption of the advised solutions by the pig breeders, a new survey was carried out in the different facilities, in order to verify the effectiveness in real situations. On the basis of this study a guide for the technicians of the extension services was produced, in which the useful solutions for improving animal welfare are described. The guide is presented as CD-Rom and will be put also on the web.