Have a personal or library account? Click to login
Pig welfare and productivity in selected alternative systems. A niche market for pork Cover

Pig welfare and productivity in selected alternative systems. A niche market for pork

Open Access
|Apr 2025

References

  1. Akos A., Bilkei G. (2004). Comparison of the reproductive performance of sows kept outdoors in Croatia with that of sows kept indoors. Livest. Prod. Sci., 85: 293–298.
  2. Alban L., Petersen J.V., Busch M.E. (2015). A comparison between lesions found during meat inspection of finishing pigs raised under organic/free-range conditions and conventional, indoor conditions. Porc. Health Manag., 1: 1–11.
  3. Andersen L., Corazo S.S., Stigsdotter U.K. (2021). Nature exposure and its effects on immune system functioning: a systematic review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 14: 1416.
  4. Baumgartner J., Leeb T., Gruber T., Tiefenbacher R. (2003). Husbandry and animal health on organic pig farms in Austria. Anim. Welf., 12: 631–635.
  5. Bernardi F. (2015). Tiergesundheit und Wohlergehen von Bioschweinen in Österreich und Evaluierung der Implementierung von Betriebsentwicklungsplänen hinsichtlich Fütterung und Ökonomie. Doctoral thesis, University of Natural Ressources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, 143 pp.
  6. Boogaard B.K., Boekhorst L.J.S., Oosting S.J., Sørensen J.T. (2011). Socio-cultural sustainability of pig production: citizen perceptions in the Netherlands and Denmark. Livest Sci., 140: 189–200.
  7. Borgsteede F.H.M., Gaasenbeek C.P.H., van Krimpen M.M., Maurer V., Mejer H., Spoolder H.A.M., Thamsborg S.M., Vermeer H.M. (2011). Studies on preventive strategies and alternative treatments against roundworm in organic pig production systems. NJAS – Wageningen J. Life Sci., 58: 173–176.
  8. Bozzi R., Gallo M., Geraci C., Fontanesi L., Batorek-Lukač N. (2019). Mora Romagnola Pig. In: European Local Pig Breeds Diversity and Performance; Candek-Potokar M., Linan R.M.N., Eds.; IntechOpen: London, UK.
  9. Čandek-Potokar M., Tomažin U., Škrlep M., Prevolnik Povše M., Batorek Lukač N. (2015). Tehnologija reje kot temelj za zaščito EU oznak in blagovnih znamk. In: Pitanje Prašičev na Večjo Težo in Predelava Mesa v Izdelke Posebne Kakovosti; Prikazi in Informacije; Čandek-Potokar M., Ed.; Publisher Kmetijski Inštitut Slovenije: Ljubljana, Slovenia,; 285, pp. 168–179.
  10. Cei L., Defrancesco E., Stefani G. (2018). From geographical indications to rural development: A review of the economic effects of European Union policy. Sustainability, 10: 3745.
  11. Charneca R., Martins J., Freitas A., Neves J., Nunes J., Paixim H., Bento P., Batorek-Lukač N. (2019). Alentejano pig. In: European Local Pig Breeds Diversity and Performance; Candek-Potokar M., Linan R.M.N., Eds.; IntechOpen: London, UK, p. 24.
  12. Chernukha I., Kotenkova E., Pchelkina V., Ilyin N., Utyanov D., Kasimova T., Surzhik A., Fedulova L. (2023). Pork fat and meat: a balance between consumer expectations and nutrient composition of four pig breeds. Foods, 12: 690.
  13. Clark B., Panzone L.A., Stewart G.B., Kyriazakis I., Niemi J.K., Latvala T., Tranter R., Jones P., Frewer L.J. (2019). Consumer attitudes towards production diseases in intensive production systems. PLoS One, 14: e0210432.
  14. Delsart M., Fablet Ch., Rose N., Répérant J.-M., Blaga R., Dufour B., Pol F. (2022). Descriptive Epidemiology of the Main Internal Parasites on Alternative Pig Farms in France. J. Parasitol., 108: 306–321.
  15. Delsart M., Pol F., Dufour B., Rose N., Fablet Ch. (2020). Pig farming in alternative systems: strengths and challenges in terms of animal welfare, biosecurity, animal health and pork safety. Agriculture, 10: 261.
  16. DeVol D.L., McKeith F.K., Bechtel P.J., Novakofski J., Shanks R.D., Carr T.R. (1988). Variations in composition and palatability traits and relationships between muscle characteristics and palatability in a random sample of pork carcasses. J. Anim. Sci., 66: 385–395.
  17. Dippel S., Leeb C., Bochicchio D., Bonde M., Dietze K., Gunnarsson S., Lindgren K., Sundrum A., Wiberg S., Winckler C., Prunier A. (2014). Health and welfare of organic pigs in Europe assessed with animal-based parameters. Org. Agr., 4: 149–161.
  18. Docking C.M., Weerd H.A., Day J.E.L., Edwards S.A. (2008). The influence of age on the use of potential enrichment objects and synchronisation of behaviour of pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 110: 244–257.
  19. Edwards S., Prunier A., Bonde M., Stockdale E. (2014). Special issue-organic pig production in Europe-animal health, welfare and production challenges. Org. Agr., 4: 79–81.
  20. Edwards S.A. (2005). Product quality attributes associated with outdoor pig production. Livest. Prod. Sci., 94: 5–14.
  21. EU 2018/848 Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) Np. 834/2007.
  22. Fábrega E., Marcet-Rius M., Vidal R., Escribano D., Cerón J.J., Manteca X., Velarde A. (2019). The effects of environmental enrichment on the physiology, behaviour, productivity and meat quality of pigs raised in a hot climate. Animals, 9: 235.
  23. Faucitano L. (2018). Preslaughter handling practices and their effects on animal welfare and pork quality. J. Anim. Sci., 96: 728–738.
  24. Faucitano L., Goumon S. (2018). Transport to slaughter and associated handling. In: Spînka M, editor. Advances in pig welfare. 1st ed. London, UK: Woodhead Publishing; pp. 261–294. Advances in Pig Welfare Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition 2018, pp. 261–293.
  25. Faucitano L., Nannoni E. (2023). Pig production systems and related effects on pre-slaughter animal welfare and meat quality. Ital. J. Anim. Sci., 22: 513–523.
  26. Fernandes J.N., Hemsworth P.H., Coleman G.J., Tilbrook A.J. (2021). Costs and Benefits of Improving Farm Animal Welfare. Agricult., 11: 104.
  27. Fernàndez A., Garcìa-Gasco J., De Pedro E., Siliò L., Rodriguez M.C. (2007). Genetic antagonism between intramuscular fat content and primal cuts in Iberian pigs. Option Mediterranéennes, 76, 43–46; In: 5. International Symposium on the Mediterranean Pig. Zaragoza: CIHEAM, p. 43–46.
  28. Foury A., Lebret B., Chevillon P., Vautier A., Terlouw C., Mormède P. (2011). Alternative rearing systems in pigs: consequences on stress indicators at slaughter and meat quality. Animal, 5: 1620–1625.
  29. Früh B., Bochicchio D., Edwards S.A., Hegelund L., Leeb Ch., Sundrum A., Werne S., Wiberg S., Prunier A. (2013). Description of organic pig production in Europe. Org. Agr., 4, 83–92.
  30. Garcia A., McGlone J. (2021). Optimizing pig welfare in the growing and finishing stage. In book: Understanding the behaviour and improving the welfare of pigs. pp. 209–246.
  31. García-Gudiño J., Blanco-Penedoa I., Gispertb M., Brunb A., Pereac J., Font-i-Furnolsb M. (2021). Understanding consumers’ perceptions towards Iberian pig production and animal welfare. Meat Sci., 172: 108317.
  32. Gębska M., Grontkowska A., Rekiel A., Sońta M. (2022). Sustainable pig production in a free range system. Warsaw, Poland, SGGW Publishing Warsaw, 179 pp.
  33. Gentry J.G., McGlone J.J., Blanton J.R., Jr., Miller M.F. (2002). Alternative housing systems for pigs: Influences on growth, composition, and pork quality. J. Anim. Sci., 180: 1781–1790.
  34. Gentry J.G., McGlone J.J., Miller M.F., Blanton J.R. (2004). Environmental effects on pig performance, meat quality, and muscle characteristics. J. Anim. Sci., 82: 209–217.
  35. Gross S., Waldrop M.E., Roosen J. (2021). How does animal welfare taste? Combining sensory and choice experiments to evaluate willingness to pay for animal welfare pork. Food Qual. Prefer., 87: 104055.
  36. Gwendolyn R., Hörtenhuner S.J., Bochicchio D., Butler G., Brandhofer R., Dippel S., Dourman J.Y., Edwards S., Früh B., Meier M., Prunier A., Winckler Ch., Zollitsch, Leeb Ch. (2018). Effect of Three Husbandry Systems on Environmental Impact of Organic Pigs. Sustainability, 10: 3796.
  37. Held S., Mendl M., Devereux D., Byrne R.W. (2002). Foraging pigs after their behaviour in response to exploitation. Anim. Behav., 64: 157–166.
  38. Höne U., Krause E.T., Bussemas R., Traulsen I., Schrader L. (2023). Usage of outdoor runs and defaecation behaviour of fattening pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 258: 105821.
  39. Honeyman M.S., Harmon J.D. (2003). Performance of finishing pigs in hoop structures and confinement during winter and summer. J. Anim. Sci., 8: 1663–1670.
  40. Honeyman M.S., Pirog R.S., Huber G.H., Lammers P.J., Hermann J.R. (2006). The United States pork niche market phenomenon. J. Anim. Sci., 84: 2269–2275.
  41. Horsted K., Kongsted A., Jorgensen U., Sorensen J. (2012). Combined production of free-range pigs and Energy crops – animal behaviour and crop damages. Livest. Sci., 150: 200–208.
  42. Hötzel M.J., Machado Filho L.C.P., Costa O.A.D. (2005). Behaviour of pre-parturient sows housed in intensive outdoor or indoor systems. Pesqui. Agropecu. Bras., 40: 169–174.
  43. Hötzel M.J., Machado L.C.P., Wolf F.M., Costa O.A.D. (2004). Behaviour of sows and piglets reared in intensive outdoor or indoor system. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 86: 27–39.
  44. Ilbery B., Maye D. (2005). Food supply chains and sustainability: evidence from specialist food producers in the Scottish/English borders. Land Use Policy, 22: 331–344.
  45. Jenny B., Vidondo B., Pendl W., Kümmerlen D., Sidler X. (2015). Erhebung von Risikofaktoren für Mastitis-Metritis-Agalaktie in Schweinebetrieben in der Schweiz. Schweiz. Arch. Tierheilkd, 157: 689–696.
  46. Jung J.-H., Shim K.-S., Na Ch.-S., Choe H.-S. (2015). Studies on Intramuscular Fat Percentage in Live Swine Using Real-time Ultrasound to Determine Pork Quality. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci., 28: 318–322.
  47. Kasprzyk A., Walenia A. (2023). Native Pig Breeds as a Source of Biodiversity Breeding and Economic Aspects. Agriculture, 13: 1528.
  48. Kauselmann K., Schrader L., Glitz B., Gallmann E., Schrade H., Krause E.T. (2021). Tasty straw pellets – Exploration of flavoured rooting material by pigs. Animal, 15: 100239.
  49. KilBride A., Gillman C., Green L. (2009). A cross-sectional study of the prevalence, risk factors and population attributable fractions for limb and body lesions in lactating sows on commercial farms in England. BMC Vet. Res., 5: 30.
  50. Knage-Rasmussen K.M., Houe H., Rousing T., Sørensen J.T. (2014). Herd- and sow-related risk factors for lameness in organic and conventional sow herds. Animal, 8: 121–127.
  51. Kongsted H., Sørensen J.T. (2017). Lesions found at routine meat inspection on finishing pigs are associated with production system. Vet. J., 223: 21–26.
  52. Lahrmann K.H., Bremermann N., Kaufmann O., Dahms S. (2004). Health, growing performance and meat quality of pigs in indoor and outdoor housing a controlled field trial. Dtsch. Tierarztl. Wochenschr., 111: 205–208.
  53. Lebret B., Čandek-Potokar M. (2022). Review: pork quality attributes from farm to fork. Part I. Carcass and fresh meat. Animal, 16: 100402.
  54. Lebret B. (2008). Effects of feeding and rearing systems on growth, carcass composition and meat quality in pigs. Animal, 2: 1548–1558.
  55. Leeb C., Hegelund L., Edwards S., Mejer H., Roepstorff A., Rousing T., Sundrum A., Bonde M. (2014). Animal health, welfare and production problems in organic weaner pigs. Org. Agr., 4: 123–133.
  56. Leeb C., Rudolph G., Bochicchio D., Edwards S., Fruh B., Holinger M., Holmes D., Illmann G., Knop D., Prunier A., Rousing T., Winckler C., Dippel S. (2019). Effects of three husbandry systems on health, welfare and productivity of organic pigs. Animal, 13: 2025–2033.
  57. Lindgren Y., Lundeheim N., Boqvist S., Magnusson U. (2013). Reproductive performance in pigs reared under organic conditions compared with conventionally reared pigs. Acta Vet. Scand., 55: 33.
  58. Liu J., Yang M., Zhang Z. (2023). Can rural cooperatives reduce poverty vulnerability of smallholder households? Evidence from rural Western China. Front. Sustain. Food Syst., 7: 1222455.
  59. Ludwiczak A., Kasprowicz-Potocka M., Zaworska-Zakrzewska A., Składanowska-Baryza J., Rodriguez-Estevez V., Sanz-Fernandez S., Diaz-Gaona C., Ferrari P., Pedersen L.J., Couto M.Y.R., Revilla I., Sell-Kubiak E. (2023). Husbandry practices associated with extensification in European pig production and their effects on pork quality. Meat Sci., 206: 109339.
  60. Maes D.G.D., Dewulf J., Piñeiro C., Edwards S., Kyriazakis I. (2020). A critical reflection on intensive pork production with an emphasis on animal health and welfare. J. Anim. Sci., 98:15–26.
  61. Maiorano G., Kapelański W., Bocian M., Pizzuto R., Kapelańska J. (2013). Influence of rearing system, diet and gender on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Polish Landrace pigs. Animal, 7: 341–347.
  62. Makovska I., Dhaka P., Chantziaras I., Pessoa J., Dewulf J. (2023). The role of wildlife and pests in the transmission of pathogenic agents to domestic pigs: a systematic review. Animals, 13: 1830.
  63. Margeta V., Gvozdanović K., Kušec G., Djurkin Kušec I., Batorek-Lukač N. (2019). Black Slavonian (Crna slavonska) pig. In: European Local Pig Breeds—Diversity and Performance; Candek-Potokar M., Linan R.M.N., Eds.; IntechOpen: London, UK.
  64. McGlone J.J. (2001). Farm animal welfare in the context of other society issues: toward sustainable systems. Livest. Prod. Sci., 72, 75–81.
  65. Miao Z.H., Glatz P.C., Ru Y.J. (2004). Review of Production, Husbandry and Sustainability of Free-range Pig Production Systems. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 17: 1615–1634.
  66. Migliorini P., Bàrberi P., Bellon S., Tommaso G., Gkisakis V.D., Peeters A., Wezel A. (2020). Controversial topics in agroecology: A European perspective. Int. J. Agric. Nat. Resour., 47: 159–173.
  67. Muñoz M., Bozzi R., García F., Núñez Y., Geraci C., Crovetti A., García-Casco J., Alves E., Škrlep M., Charneca R., Martins J.M., Quintanilla R., Tibau J., Kušec G., Djurkin-Kušec I., Mercat M.J., Riquet J., Estellé J., Zimmer Ch., Razmaite V., Araujo J.P., Radović Č., Savić R., Karolyi D., Gallo M., Čandek-Potokar M., Fontanesi L., Fernández A.I., Óvilo C. (2018). Diversity across major and candidate genes in European local pig breeds. PLOS ONE, 13: e0207475.
  68. Nannoni E., Aarnink A.J.A., Verneer H.M., Reimert I., Fels M., Bracke M.B.M. (2020). Soiling of pig pens: A review of eliminative behaviour. Animals, 10: 2025.
  69. Norwood F.B., Lusk J.L. (2011). A calibrated auction-conjoint valuation method: Valuing pork and eggs produced under differing animal welfare conditions. J. Environ. Econ. Manag., 62: 80–94.
  70. Olsson V., Pickova J. (2005). The effects of production systems on meat quality, with emphasis on pork. Ambio, 34: 338–343.
  71. Oude Ophuis P.A.M. (1994). Sensory evaluation of free range and regular pork meat under different conditions of experience and awareness. Food Qual. Prefer., 5: 173–178.
  72. Park H-S., Min B., Oh S-H. (2017). Research trends in outdoor pig production – A review. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci., 30: 1207–1214.
  73. Pierron A., Alassane-Kpembi I., Oswald I.P. (2016). Impact of mycotoxin on immune response and consequences for pig health. Anim. Nutr., 2: 63–68.
  74. Pietrosemoli S., Green J.T., Villamide Diaz M.J. (2020a). A comparison of stocking methods for pasture-based pig production systems. Animals, 10: 1885.
  75. Pietrosemoli S., Green J.T., Villamide Diaz M.J. (2020b). Sows-gilts stocking rates and their environmental impact in rotationally managed bermudagrass paddocks. Animals, 10: 1046.
  76. Pietrosemoli S., Raczkowski C., Green J.T., Villamide Diaz M.J. (2020c). Effect of growing-finishing pig stocking rates on bermudagrass ground cover and soil properties. Animals, 10: 1666.
  77. Pietrosemoli S., Tang C. (2020). Animal welfare and production challenges associated with pasture pig systems: a review. Agriculture, 10: 223.
  78. Prasow M., Babicz M., Domaradzki P., Skałecki P., Litwińczuk A., Kaliniak A. (2018). Slaughter value and quality of meat of Polish local breed pigs. J. Anim. Sci. Biol. Bioecon., XXXVI: 5–17.
  79. Presto M.H., Algers B., Perrson E., Andersson H.K. (2009). Different roughages to organic growing/finishing pigs — Influence on activity behaviour and social interactions. Livest. Sci., 23: 55–62.
  80. Presto M.H., Andersson H.K., Folestam S., Lindberg J.E. (2008). Activity behaviour and social interactions of pigs raised outdoors and indoors. Arch. Tierzucht, 51: 338–350.
  81. Pugliese C., Sirtori F. (2012). Quality of meat and meat products produced from southern European pig breeds. Meat Sci., 90: 511–518.
  82. Rajic S., Simunovic S., Djordjevic V., Raseta M., Tomasevic I., Djekic I. (2022). Quality multiverse of beef and pork meat in a single score. Foods, 11: 1154.
  83. Rangstrup-Christensen L., Krogh M.A., Pedersen L.J., Sorensen J.T. (2018). Sow level risk factors for early piglet mortality and crushing in organic outdoor production. Animal, 12: 810–818.
  84. Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
  85. Rocha L.M., Velarde A., Dalmau A., Saucier L., Faucitano L. (2016). Can the monitoring of animal welfare parameters predict pork meat quality variation through the supply chain (from farm to slaughter)? J. Anim. Sci., 94: 359–376.
  86. Roep D., Wiskerke J.S.C. (2012). On governance, embedding and marketing: reflections on the construction of alternative sustainable food networks. J. Agric. Environ. Ethics, 25: 205–221.
  87. Roy A., Choudhary R.K., Shee A., Saren A.K. (2023). Recent advancements in scientific management practices for enhancing the productivity of pigs: a review. Curr. Appl. Sci. Technol., 42: 42–53.
  88. Seo J-K., Eom J-U., Yang H-S. (2023). Comparison between Berkshire and crossbreed on meat quality, and investigation of the relationship with fatty acid composition and meat quality. J. Anim. Sci. Technol., 65: 1081–1093.
  89. Souza D.N.D., Cleary D., Hewitt R.J.E. (2017). Consumers want pork with ‘adjectives’. Anim. Prod. Sci., 57: 2331–2338.
  90. Stringer L.C., Fraser E.D.D., Harris D., Lyon C., Pereira L., Ward C.F.M., Simelton E. (2020). Adaptation and development pathways for different types of farmers. Environ. Sci. Policy, 64: 174–189.
  91. Sutherland M.A., Webster J., Sutherland I. (2013). Animal health and welfare issues facing organic production systems. Animals, 3: 1021–1035.
  92. Szulc K., Nowaczewski S., Skrzypczak E., Szyndler M., Babicz M. (2024). Quality and processability of meat in Polish native pigs – a review. Ann. Anim. Sci., 24: 1107–1122.
  93. Szyndler-Nędza M. (2023). Native breeds of pigs, values of raw material and possibilities of application in gastronomy and processing. In: Culinary heritage of Polish native breeds, Radomski P., Duda K. (eds). Institute of Zootechnics – National Research Institute, Cracow, Poland, pp. 35–46.
  94. Szyndler-Nędza M., Nowicki J. (2018). Production of quality pork products in Spain. In: Evaluation of the functionality of the production of food with protected – designation of origin and geographical indication, including regional products on the example of Spain and Poland. Institute of Zootechnics – National Research Institute, Cracow, Poland, pp. 9–30.
  95. Terlouw E.M.C., Picard B., Deiss V., Berri C., Hocquette J.F., Lebret B., Lefèvre F., Hamill R., Gagaoua M. (2021). Review. Understanding the determination of meat quality using biochemical characteristics of the muscle: stress at slaughter and other missing keys. Foods, 10: 84.
  96. Toften K., Hammervoll, T. (2013). Niche marketing research: status and challenges. Mark. Intell. Plan., 31: 272–285.
  97. Tyra M., Ropka-Molik K., Eckert R., Piórkowska K., Oczkowicz M. (2011). HFABP and LEPR gene expression profile in skeletal muscles and liver during ontogenesis in various breeds of pigs. Dom. Anim. Endocrinol., 40: 147–154.
  98. Tyra M., Żak G. (2010). Characteristics of the Polish breeding population of pigs in terms of intramuscular fat (IMF) content of m. longissimus dorsi. Ann. Anim. Sci., 10: 241–248.
  99. Verhaegen I., Van Huylenbroeck G. (2001). Costs and benefits for farmers participating in innovative marketing channels for quality food products. J. Rural Stud., 17: 443–456.
  100. Webster S., Dawkins M.S. (2000). The post-weaning behaviour of indoor-bred and outdoor-bred pigs. Anim. Sci., 71: 265–271.
  101. Yonezawa T., Takahashi A., Imai S., Okitsu A., Komiyama S., Irimajiri M., Matsuura A., Yamazaki A., Hodate K. (2012). Effects of Outdoor Housing of Piglets on Behavior, Stress Reaction and Meat Characteristics. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci., 25: 886–894.
  102. Zira S., Rydhmer L., Ivarsson E., Hoffmann R., Röös E. (2021). A life cycle sustainability assessment of organic and conventional pork supply chains in Sweden. Sustain. Prod. Consum., 28: 21–38.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2025-0035 | Journal eISSN: 2300-8733 | Journal ISSN: 1642-3402
Language: English
Submitted on: Jul 28, 2024
|
Accepted on: Mar 7, 2025
|
Published on: Apr 8, 2025
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: Volume open

© 2025 Marcin Sońta, Anna Rekiel, Justyna Więcek, Anna Zalewska, published by National Research Institute of Animal Production
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

AHEAD OF PRINT