Effects of Human Interaction and Housing Management on Pig Welfare and Performance: A Literature Review

Pig farming has become a profitable business globally, driven by the increasing demand for pork meat. However, intensive pig farming practices often neglect animal welfare, leading to the deprivation of natural behaviors and causing stress and abnormal behavior. This review paper focuses on how housing systems and human-animal interactions affect pig behavior and performance, as well as the measurement of animal welfare through performance, hormone levels, and meat quality. Understanding animal behavior is crucial for stockmen to respond effectively to animal needs. Various gestures, vocalizations, and movements indicate positive or negative emotions in pigs. The affective state of individual pigs can influence the behavior of their conspecifics, leading to emotional contagion. The role of handlers and their interactions with pigs significantly impact animal behavior and welfare. The socio-demographic background of stockmen, including their attitudes and knowledge, influences animal performance and welfare. Positive human contact, including gentle handling, can counteract stress and fear reactions among pigs. Conversely, aversive handling, such as refusing physical interaction or using threatening postures, negatively affects pig performance. Housing management also plays a crucial role in pig behavior. Unacceptable housing conditions, with a lack of enriched environments, restrict pigs from expressing their natural behaviors, leading to boredom, aggression, and abnormal tail-biting. The type of flooring system used, such as concrete slatted floors, can affect pig welfare and health. Furthermore, the deprivation of maternal behavior in sows can have negative implications for piglets. Enhancements in housing systems and human-animal interactions can significantly improve pig welfare and performance in intensive pig farming