Pig Welfare, Immunity and Health - Implications and Applications in Sustainable Production

Dear Colleagues,

Pig production faces substantial challenges in the future, as increasing public concern about animal welfare collides with traditional production goals. Modern sustainable pork production thus includes animal health and welfare issues in addition to other pillars of sustainability. Immunocompetence and health of pigs are essential for animal welfare but can be threatened by inappropriate housing, environmental conditions or nutrition. A good function of the immune system is an obvious prerequisite for fighting pathogens, appropriate gut–microbiota interaction or successful vaccinations with important implications for disease control and immunocastration. This Special Issue aims to illuminate current integrative research on pig welfare, behavior, stress, nutrition, and immunity under varying conventional and organic housing conditions. Further, research gaps and trends should be identified by either original work or reviews.

Prof. Volker Stefanski
Dr. Galia Zamaratskaia
Guest Editors

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