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Abstract
Piglet mortality is a problem with complex aetiology, predisposed by the natural biology of a polytocous species which produces multiple offspring allocated disproportionate resources both in the pre- and post-natal environment. Intensive sibling rivalry to acquire limited uterine resources prenatally, and then limited nutrients postnatally, leads to a high risk of mortality for the weakest among the offspring. In the domestic pig these risks have been exacerbated by intensive selection for economic traits such as prolificacy and leanness. Therefore a certain amount of mortality would seem expected. The acceptability of death can be a subject of much ethical debate. However, even if death itself is not considered a welfare issue, the manner of dying is, particularly when it involves pain and/or suffering. Thus, whilst the life history strategy of the pig encompasses mortality risk, at what point does the inevitable become unacceptable for animal welfare?
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Advances in Pig Welfare, Second Edition |
Editors | Irene Camerlink, Emma Baxter |
Publisher | Woodhead Publishing |
Chapter | 10 |
Pages | 219-239 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Edition | 2 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780323856768 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780323915731 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | First published - 6 Oct 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Piglet survival
- farrowing
- welfare
- genetics
- management
- Mother-offspring interaction
- Prolificacy
- IUGR
- ethics
- Management
- Ethics
- Farrowing
- Welfare
- Genetics
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Dive into the research topics of 'Piglet mortality and morbidity: Inevitable or unacceptable?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
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RESAS 22-27: SRUC-a3-5 Practical On-farm Solutions For Welfare And Sustainability: Solutions To Chronic Problems
Haskell, M. (PI), Donbavand, J. (CoI), Dwyer, C. (CoI), D'Eath, R. (CoI), Turner, S. (CoI), Baxter, E. (CoI), Jack, M. (CoI) & Rutherford, K. (CoI)
Scottish Government: Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services
1/04/22 → 31/03/27
Project: Research