Date: June 28th 2018 Place: Newcastle (UK)
We need accurate ways to assess pain in pigs in order to evaluate the welfare consequences of interventions and to develop more effective pain mitigation strategies, according to a recently published review* of various methods currently under investigation.
The objective of the study was to investigate if the oral meloxicam administration to sows during farrowing reduces pain and infection and increases the well-being as well as the suckling behaviour of the sow. This will lead to improved intake of milk in piglets which has a positive effect on the transfer of maternal immunity, weight gain and survival capability of the piglets.
"Stereotypies such as bar biting or sham chewing are frequent in pregnant sows kept in stalls, while they are less frequent in sows kept in groups"
Marta Fornos
It is important to prevent newborn piglets becoming infected with disease-causing pathogens during the birth process.
Boehringer Ingelheim funds three research projects against swine disease PRRS with €75,000 total and three winners have been chosen for this year's awards out of more than 30 high-quality proposals.
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