Welfare, health and productive performances of growing-fattening pigs for production of typical Italian hams

A preliminary survey carried out in an area of the North of Italy allowed to describe the structural and managerial characteristics of 40 farms for production of typical Italian heavy pigs. Nine pig farms were selected for execution of the experimental trials: 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) Behaviour patterns. d) Health state. After the data elaboration phase, solutions for improving animal welfare were suggested for the different houses. Such solutions concern different aspects: structures, equipment, feed distribution systems, management, etc. After the adoption of the advised solutions by the pig breeders, a new survey will be carried out in the different houses, in order to verify the effectiveness in real situations. On the basis of this study a guide for the technicians of the extension services will be produced, in which the useful solutions for improving animal welfare will be described.