ActPig - improving pig production, now!

The incidence of tail biting has increased by 50% in Sweden the last decade. Tail biting indicates an inadequate rearing environment and reduces production and welfare.

In addition, the number of remarks indicating insufficient straw provision increased during Swedish animal welfare inspections, further indicating an insufficient rearing environment.

Provision of straw is, however, a complex issue as producers state that large straw rations cause hygiene problems and the animal welfare control lacks tools to evaluate whether the straw supply is enough.

In ActPig! we continue to develop a straw rack that ensures sufficient straw provision without risking poor hygiene in cooperation with, e.g. pig producers, relevant authorities and through consumer surveys.

During the studies in controlled and commercial environments, a method to assess sufficient straw provision is also developed. This way, we make the assessment legally secure and provide a method for producers to meet the legal requirements.

Apart from reducing tail biting, the impact of the improved rearing environment on the pigs´ development and stress management is investigated, as previous studies indicate such synergies. This means that pigs handle new situations, such as slaughter, better which reduce production losses.

In order to determine the synergy effects of the improved rearing environment, the impact of straw racks on the sustainability of pig production is evaluated, socially, ecologically and economically.