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The welfare implications of large litter size in the domestic pig I

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Authors:
  • Rutherford, K.M.D ;
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    Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC
  • Baxter, E.M. ;
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    Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC
  • D'Eath, R.B. ;
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    Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC
  • Turner, S.P. ;
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    Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC
  • Arnott, G. ;
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    Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC
  • Roehe, R. ;
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    Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC
  • Ask, B. ;
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    Danish Agriculture and Food Council
  • Sandøe, Peter ;
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    Orcid logo0000-0003-0397-3273
    Section for Consumption, Bioethics and Governance, Department of Food and Resource Economics, Faculty of Science, Københavns Universitet
  • Moustsen, V.A. ;
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    Danish Agriculture and Food Council
  • Thorup, F. ;
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    Danish Agriculture and Food Council
  • Edwards, S.A. ;
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    University of Newcastle
  • Berg, P. ;
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    Aarhus University
  • Lawrence, A.B.
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    Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC
Subtitle:
biological factors
DOI:
10.7120/09627286.22.2.199
Abstract:
Increasing litter size has long been a goal of pig breeders and producers, and may have implications for pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) welfare. This paper reviews the scientific evidence on biological factors affecting sow and piglet welfare in relation to large litter size. It is concluded that, in a number of ways, large litter size is a risk factor for decreased animal welfare in pig production. Increased litter size is associated with increased piglet mortality, which is likely to be associated with significant negative animal welfare impacts. In surviving piglets, many of the causes of mortality can also occur in non-lethal forms that cause suffering. Intense teat competition may increase the likelihood that some piglets do not gain adequate access to milk, causing starvation in the short term and possibly long-term detriments to health. Also, increased litter size leads to more piglets with low birth weight which is associated with a variety of negative long-term effects. Finally, increased production pressure placed on sows bearing large litters may produce health and welfare concerns for the sow. However, possible biological approaches to mitigating health and welfare issues associated with large litters are being implemented. An important mitigation strategy is genetic selection encompassing traits that promote piglet survival, vitality and growth. Sow nutrition and the minimisation of stress during gestation could also contribute to improving outcomes in terms of piglet welfare. Awareness of the possible negative welfare consequences of large litter size in pigs should lead to further active measures being taken to mitigate the mentioned effects.
Type:
Journal article
Language:
English
Published in:
Animal Welfare, 2013, Vol 22, Issue 2, p. 199-218
Main Research Area:
Science/technology
Publication Status:
Published
Review type:
Peer Review
Submission year:
2013
Scientific Level:
Scientific
ID:
247139155

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