WELFARE IN PIG PRODUCTION: REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to conduct a literature review on animal welfare in pig farming, addressing evaluation methods, welfare indicators, and environmental enrichment alternatives. Pig farming is a predominantly intensive activity, and throughout the evolution of animal production systems, the focus on increasing productivity within the same environment has contributed to a reduction in animal welfare levels. The literature search was conducted in the Capes Periodicals Portal, Scielo, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases. Animal welfare in pig farming is an essential factor that directly impacts production and profitability. A suitable and stress-free environment provides pigs with better health, higher weight gain, and lower mortality rates. Periodic welfare assessment, with the participation of all those involved in the production chain, , is essential to ensure compliance with legislation and the continuous improvement of housing conditions. Investing in training, infrastructure, and research is important to promote animal welfare and the sustainability of production. Investment in training, infrastructure, and research is important to promote animal welfare and the sustainability of production systems. Although legislation has advanced over the years, further research is still needed to evaluate its practical application and to develop new animal welfare assessment protocols suited to the Brazilian context.