In this project we are investigating the welfare of pigs in intensive production systems and the the impact of potential welfare reforms, including:

Bans on the use of gestation crates for sows, with replacement by group-gestation systems. Two scenarios are considered: confinement in crates during gestation is (1) restricted to four weeks after conception and one week before farrowing (when sows are moved to the farrowing crate) or (2) crates are not used in the entire gestation period (females are immediately placed in groups following conception).

Bans of surgical castration of males, considering the time in pain averted by not performing the surgical procedure, as well as the indirect effects of such a ban on other welfare challenges experienced by pigs.

The impact of early weaning (at 21 days) on the welfare of pigs.

The provision of straw-bedding for growers (this reform ensures the provision of material for investigation and manipulation)