Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 September 2010
In relation to desirable future developments in the provision of suitable climatic conditions and accommodation for the pig, consideration has been given to the established physiological and behavioural requirements and the extent to which current systems fail to cater for these needs. Suggestions are made for improving the provisions for pigs at various stages of the production process including breeding, pregnancy, parturition and early lactation, weaning and in the growing-finishing period. In formulating future perspectives for accommodating pigs at all stages of the production process, an attempt has been made to maintain an appropriate balance between the objectives of catering more effectively for the requirements of the pig, acceptability from the welfare aspect of both pigs and stockmen, ease of management and cost-effectiveness.