Animal welfare and economic optimisation of farrowing systems

摘要: In many countries, including the UK, majority of domestic sows are housed in farrowing crates during and lactation periods. Such systems raise welfare problems due to close confinement sow. Despite fact that alternative housing have been developed, no commercially viable/feasible option has emerged for large scale units. Current scientific practical knowledge were reviewed this study identify systems, their production potential. The aim was establish acceptable trade-offs between profit within systems. Linear programming (LP) used examine possible support design welfare-friendly yet viable alternatives. objective LP optimise economic performance conventional crates, simple pens designed subject both managerial animal constraints. Quantitative values constraints derived from literature. potential effects each component on productivity assessed by a group scientists model. modelled components (inputs) extra space, substrate temperature. Results showed that, when using piglet survival rate based data drawn literature incorporating costs inputs model, obtained highest annual net margin second third place, respectively. able improve once reference points, following expert-derived functions, adjust rates response modified pen heating. non-crate then provided higher piglets than implying possibility win-win situation.