Iowa State University researchers Mitchell Nisley, Ph.D. student, Dr. Anna Kerr Johnson, Professor of Animal Welfare, and Dr. Nicholas Gabler, Professor of Swine Nutrition, summarized a 2022 article from the Journal of Animal Science about improving the welfare of young pigs. This peer-reviewed article, written by Dr. Johnson in collaboration with animal welfare colleagues across the globe, suggests a new model with the potential to improve the livelihood of young pigs on farms.
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Major Finding
Pig welfare is important to producers, customers, and consumers alike. One of the most critical periods in a pig's life is during its first three months. Extra care is given to suckling piglets and nursery pigs during this period.
The Five Domains model, a comprehensive animal welfare model, was created to emphasize improving piglet mental states and quality of life through better nutrition, environmental conditions, overall health, and behavioral interaction. Using the Five Domains model will require education/training for caregivers. By using this model, we can provide suckling piglets and nursery pigs with a calm, safe, and comfortable environment, surrounded by companionship that results in a life worth living.
Why It Matters
Ethical considerations are essential when raising pigs as a source of protein, therefore necessitating the creation of farm animal welfare standards. These standards are implemented through various organizations across the globe. In an effort to continuously improve, researchers examined how to build upon the existing standards and consider each pig’s mental state as part of welfare efforts.
Renowned experts in animal welfare have created a comprehensive model to suggest practices to ensure optimal welfare when raising piglets and nursery pigs. The model, which can be used on-farm, highlights the Five Domains, including 1) nutrition, 2) physical environment, 3) health, 4) behavioral interaction, and most importantly, 5) mental state. Ultimately, following the Five Domains Model has the potential to increase positive mental states, resulting in improved quality of life and welfare state.
How the Research Was Conducted
In an effort to improve piglet and nursery pig quality of life and mental welfare state, researchers conducted a literature review as a culmination of independent welfare studies and innovative practices. This allowed the authors to characterize how research has addressed the Five Domains. Additionally, the authors highlighted opportunities to improve current and future management of young pigs using the Five Domains model.
Learn More
To learn more about how researchers are working to enhance welfare for suckling piglets and nursery pigs, read the full peer-reviewed journal article.