Physiological and veterinary approaches in the assessment of pig welfare

The article covers various aspects of pig welfare in agriculture, in particular, issues of physical health, housing conditions, feeding and social interactions. In particular, the five-domain model is considered, which is one of the most common and recognized frameworks for assessing animal welfare. It provides a systematic, comprehensive and organized approach to analyzing risks and opportunities for improving animal welfare. This model consists of five key domains, each of which covers certain areas. Four of them belong to the physical or functional areas: feeding, housing conditions, health status and behavioral interactions. The fifth domain concerns the emotional and psychological state of the animals. The first three domains reflect the main physiological and functional aspects that are influenced by feeding, environmenttal conditions and health. The fourth domain focuses on the physical and social conditions of the animal. Some researchers propose to elaborate on this aspect by distinguishing three separate categories of interactions: with the environment, with other animals and with humans. This approach allows a better understanding of the different types of behavioral relationships and their impact on the overall welfare of the animals. Feeding is an important factor determining the health, behavior and productivity of pigs. Studies show that two-time feeding can improve the percentage of low-fat meat without negatively affecting the behavior of the animals. The quality of the feed and feeding methods are important for improving the welfare of the animals, in particular, avoiding stress and behavioral disorders. Comfortable conditions, including space, microclimate and the possibility of natural behavior, are important for improving the welfare of pigs. Studies indicate the importance of sufficient space for sows, as well as the impact of social interaction on the level of stress and aggression. Interactions between animals and with humans are also important for welfare. Positive interactions with humans can reduce stress, while social conflicts among pigs can lead to aggression and stress. Stressful situations, such as moving animals to new groups or painful procedures, can impair welfare. It is important to consider the impact of such stressors on the health and behavior of pigs. This research paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to improving pig welfare by optimizing housing conditions, feeding, social interactions and taking into account the behavioral responses of the animals. Key words: pigs, welfare, health, behavior, performance.