This analysis explores the relationship between abattoir and on-farm animal welfare indicators in heavy pigs, suggesting integrated monitoring approaches.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the relationship between abattoir-based welfare measurements and on-farm assessments in Italian heavy pig production.
Scored 18,333 pig carcasses from 185 batches across 86 farms at the abattoir.
Evaluated tail, skin, and ear lesions as indicators of animal welfare.
Collected on-farm assessments from the national surveillance system (ClassyFarm).
Higher tail lesion scores were found in pigs with intact tails, indicating a substitution effect with ear biting.
Suboptimal management correlated with higher skin and ear lesion scores.
Tail docking did not fully prevent abnormal behaviors related to tail biting.