Behaviour of Pigs in Relation to Housing Environment

Dear Colleagues,

A precise knowledge of animal behavior is a prerequisite for assessing animal welfare in modern farming systems. Despite increasing interest in this research field in recent years, there are still many questions to be answered, especially with regard to pigs’ behavior and welfare. Current problems such as tail biting or piglet crushing still have to be solved, and the impact of the pigs’ environment on their behavior and welfare should be further elucidated, aiming to increase animal welfare. Therefore, more research on pig behavior in different (housing) environments is necessary, and the relation of behavioral aspects to stress and welfare needs to be explored. There may also be ways to positively influence pigs’ behavior and welfare, for example, by new methods of environmental enrichment, using also the pigs’ cognitive abilities. This Collection focuses on new insights into the behavior and welfare of pigs depending on their environment. For that, animals’ housing and social environment can be considered. Research papers on domestic pigs in intensive livestock systems are as welcome as studies from free-ranging or other alternative systems. Research articles on wild boars are also encouraged when investigating fundamental environmental influences on their behavior and welfare.

Dr. Michaela Fels
Collection Editor

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