How Should the Canadian Industry Approach Swine Welfare?

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Welfare by admin on July 23, 2015

Animal welfare is a complex issue which becomes more and more important for the industry and the outside society. It is significant to know that the point of view on the animal welfare aspect distinguish a lot between the food producing industry and the society which is increasingly isolated from farming practice. It`s obvious, though sometimes not fully appreciated by those outside the industry, that good swine health is a prerequisite for good animal welfare. Unfortunately in the society, health and welfare are often considered separately. But good welfare is also not just good health, it is more than that. And this is a point the industry sometimes forget. The theme animal welfare has the ability and did already start debates and conflicts in the society. Those debates and conflicts can only resolved by objective scientific data, plausible to all, on how the animal itself perceives its welfare and the strength and importance of its different welfare needs. This should be the basic for an objective discussion between the different stakeholders about new animal welfare rules in the industry. A Canadian Industry Chair in Swine Welfare, based in respected academic institution, would allow the required scientific research programs to be developed through national collaboration, and offer an independent forum to facilitate debate and consensus.

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