Isolated weaning technology: humane benefits and concerns in the production of pork.
The age at which piglets are separated from the sow has been identified as an animal welfare risk in current swine production systems. Animal welfare gains of a minimal disease state must be objectively balanced against the welfare costs of early weaning. Veterinary practitioners should continue to participate in the development and validation of humane animal production methods.
Whiting
Terry L
TL
Office of the Chief Veterinarian, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, 545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Terry.Whiting@gov.mb.ca
Pasma
Tim
T
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002170:Canada; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D008460:Meat; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014886:Weaning