[Current possibilities of improving health and welfare status of pigs through introduction of the specific 'Stress Free' (SSF) System]

Abstract

Health and welfare problems of pigs in intensive husbandry systems are mainly caused by housing and management of the animals. The actual structure of these systems also gives rise to health and welfare problems. Solving these problems is very difficult to achieve in the existing systems. It will be necessary to create new structures and housing systems from a preventive veterinary point of view to avoid harm to health and welfare caused by specific stressors. Specific stressors which can be prevented are associated with the risk of infection, mixing and replacing animals, high density, inadequate house climate, handling of animals and the farmer's attitude towards his animals. The SSF-system specifies the method by which these specific stressors are prevented.