The Effect of Selection for Lean Growth on Swine Behavior and Welfare

Purdue University 2000 Swine Research Report. Selection for specific traits, such as high lean growth, results in numerous behavioral, production and welfare problems. Additional research is needed to determine the extent to which high lean animals differ from low lean animals. Once these differences are understood, perhaps environmental solutions (alternative housing, new management techniques, etc.) can be developed to solve some of the problems. However, it is unlikely that welfare problems developed through breeding can be completely solved through environmental or nutritional means. Ultimately, the solution is for breeders to pay attention to the animal welfare implications of selection.