"Mothers Should Have Freedom of Movement"-Citizens' Attitudes Regarding Farrowing Housing Systems for Sows and Their Piglets.

ABSTRACT: Farrowing crates are the most common housing for lactating sows throughout the world, despite known public opposition to housing systems that deprive animals' freedom to move. This study aimed to investigate Brazilian citizens' attitudes towards three farrowing housing systems (crates, loose pens, and outdoors). Data were obtained via an online questionnaire containing open- and close-ended questions. Participants' (n = 1171) attitudes were most negative towards the crates and most positive towards outdoor farrowing, and positively correlated with perceived sows' quality of life. Participants overwhelmingly rejected the use of farrowing crates, and most supported a proposal to move from farrowing crates to loose pens, even when informed that this entailed an increased risk of piglets' mort

SUBMITTER: Vandresen B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8698166 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature