This chapter presents a brief background on the global pig sector and pig-meat value chains. Topics focused on the breeding objectives, pig breeds and lines, genetic improvement strategies for pigs (for both large-scale and smallholder systems) and use of pig reproductive technologies. The final...

In this chapter the factors that can cause meat quality problems during handling and transport of meat animals were discussed as well as on the importance of low-stress handling to maintain meat quality. Topics that were also given emphasis includes how on-farm conditions have an effect on meat...

Modern agricultural practices have increased the efficiency of food production with a decrease in their cost and prices for consumers. However, to some extent this has been detrimental to the ethical way in which livestock are treated, particularly in more intensive production systems. On the...

Transport stress is both an animal welfare issue, resulting in animal losses and fatigued animals at slaughter, and a meat quality issue, resulting in carcass depreciation and meat quality defects. Both issues may result in significant economic losses for the industry. The welfare of pigs during...

Transportation losses are concerns as they relate to swine welfare and economics. Different vehicle styles are used globally, and vehicle choices are based on the number of animals to be transported, regional weather conditions, facilities, laws and professional judgement. Transportation for the...

This book contains 18 chapters that discuss welfare issues at slaughter; tradeoffs balancing livestock and poultry welfare concerns with the commercial reality of slaughter; conditioning of animals an arrival at the abattoir and their management during lairage; bruising in cattle; behavioural...

This second edition book discusses the advices on nutrition and feeding practices that relate to the standards for certification of organic pigs and the production of organic pork; on how appropriate diet can be formulated and how feeding programmes can be integrated into an organic production...

This publication presents guidelines on nutrition and feeding practices that relate to the standards for certification of organic pigs and the production of organic pork. Details on permitted feed ingredients and suitable dietary formulations are included, with an emphasis on those grown or...

This chapter describes the regulatory, economic, characteristics and management aspects of organic pigmeat production in different countries.

This chapter describes the desirable reproductive and productive performance traits of different pig breeds that are suitable under organic farming conditions.