{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]],"date-time":"2026-09-23T14:03:23Z","timestamp":1790172203353,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":149,"publisher":"Frontiers Media SA","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]],"date-time":"2026-09-23T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1790121600000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["frontiersin.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Front. Vet. Sci."],"abstract":"<jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Background<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Animal welfare presents an important topic in pig farming, with numerous resources offering recommendations on welfare improvements. These resources are often based on scientific knowledge, while practical experiences from farmers are rarely considered. This study aimed to bridge this gap in research by comparing scientific experts\u2019 and farmers\u2019 perceptions of Best Practices to improve on-farm welfare of fattening pigs. Candidate Best Practices to prevent and reduce tail and ear lesions, skin lesions and bursitis were identified in a literature review and integrated into two online surveys aimed at scientific experts and farmers. Participants could evaluate these measures on a scale from 0% (unsuitable) to 100% (very suitable). Answers were compared between both groups using a mixed linear regression model.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>\n                      Overall, 47 scientific experts and 80 pig farmers participated in the surveys. Nearly all proposed Best Practices received a higher rating from scientific experts than from farmers. Nevertheless, the highest and lowest rated measures were similar for both groups and numerous measures did not show a significant difference between farmers and scientific experts (\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f&amp;gt;\u202f0.05). Top-rated candidate Best Practices included \u201cGood barn climate\/air quality\u201d (median experts: 84.0% vs. median farmers: 72.0%,\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f=\u202f1.000) as well as \u201cGood health status\u201d (81.5% vs. 75.0%;\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f=\u202f1.000) for tail and ear lesions and \u201cAs little regrouping\/mixing of animals on farm as possible\u201d (88.0% vs. 71.0%,\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f=\u202f0.006) for skin lesions. Labor and cost-intensive candidate Best Practices such as \u201cLowering stocking density\u201d (71.5% vs. 40.0%,\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f&amp;lt;\u202f0.001) and \u201cEnough feeding space per pig\u201d (80.0% vs. 46.0%;\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f&amp;lt;\u202f0.001) were scored significantly lower by farmers than by scientific experts. For bursitis, all proposed measures concerning floor condition showed a significant difference between the two groups (\n                      <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                      \u202f&amp;lt;\u202f0.05), with farmers again scoring all candidate Best Practices lower than scientific experts.\n                    <\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Conclusion<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>While scientific experts favored most measures, farmers gave lower scores, potentially due to their experience with practical constraints such as feasibility, workload and costs. The ranking of candidate Best Practices, however, was similar in both groups, indicating a certain consensus. To promote the implementation of animal welfare measures on farms, it therefore seems important to consider farmers\u2019 opinions and concerns and provide them with appropriate support.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2026.1905492","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]],"date-time":"2026-09-23T13:18:42Z","timestamp":1790169522000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["It\u2019s all a matter of perspective\u2014a comparison of scientific experts\u2019 vs. farmers\u2019 opinions on Best Practices for pig welfare"],"prefix":"10.3389","volume":"13","author":[{"given":"Maite","family":"Jachens","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation","place":["Hannover, Germany"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Swetlana","family":"Herbrandt","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Statistical Consulting and Analysis, Center for Higher Education, TU Dortmund University","place":["Dortmund, Germany"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Nicole","family":"Kemper","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation","place":["Hannover, Germany"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Michaela","family":"Fels","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation","place":["Hannover, Germany"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1965","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref1","volume-title":"Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, Kantar Public Attitudes of Europeans Towards Animal Welfare: Report","year":"2023"},{"key":"ref2","year":"2024"},{"key":"ref3","volume-title":"World Food and Agriculture\u2014Statistical Yearbook 2023","year":"2023"},{"key":"ref4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.46867\/ijcp.2015.28.00.04","article-title":"Thinking pigs: a comparative review of cognition, emotion, and personality in Sus domesticus","volume":"28","author":"Marino","year":"2015","journal-title":"Int J Comp Psychol"},{"key":"ref5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"137","DOI":"10.1016\/B978-0-08-101012-9.00004-6","volume-title":"Advances in Pig Welfare","author":"Valros","year":"2018"},{"key":"ref6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.2903\/j.efsa.2007.611","article-title":"Scientific opinion of the panel on animal health and welfare on a request from commission on the risks associated with tail biting in pigs and possible means to reduce the need for tail docking considering the different housing and husbandry systems","volume":"611","year":"2007","journal-title":"EFSA J"},{"key":"ref7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"196","DOI":"10.1053\/tvjl.2001.0605","article-title":"Tail biting in pigs","volume":"162","author":"Schr\u00f8der-Petersen","year":"2001","journal-title":"Vet J"},{"key":"ref8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"39","DOI":"10.4141\/A00-031","article-title":"Causes of skin damage to pig carcasses","volume":"81","author":"Faucitano","year":"2001","journal-title":"Can J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0207115","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0207115","article-title":"Skin lesion monitoring at slaughter on heavy pigs (170 kg): welfare indicators and ham defects","volume":"13","author":"Bottacini","year":"2018","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"428","DOI":"10.2376\/0005-9366-16032","article-title":"Prevalence of auxiliary bursae and injuries of claws in fattening pigs at time of slaughter-results of a study at four slaughterhouses","volume":"129","author":"Gareis","year":"2016","journal-title":"Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr"},{"key":"ref11","year":""},{"key":"ref12","year":"2025"},{"key":"ref13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1870","DOI":"10.3390\/ani10101870","article-title":"The 2020 five domains model: including human\u2013animal interactions in assessments of animal welfare","volume":"10","author":"Mellor","year":"2020","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref14","volume-title":"Welfare Quality\u00ae Assessment Protocol for Pigs (Sows and Piglets, Growing and Finishing Pigs)","year":"2009"},{"key":"ref15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"104","DOI":"10.2376\/0005-9366-126-104","article-title":"Tail biting in pigs\u2014causes and management intervention strategies to reduce the behavioural disorder. A review","volume":"126","author":"Sonoda","year":"2013","journal-title":"Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr"},{"key":"ref16","volume-title":"Terrestrial Animal Health Code","year":"2023"},{"key":"ref17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"931","DOI":"10.1108\/00070700710835732","article-title":"Animal welfare: the attitudes and behavior of European pig farmers","volume":"109","author":"Bock","year":"2007","journal-title":"Br Food J"},{"key":"ref18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"671","DOI":"10.3390\/ani14050671","article-title":"Farm animal welfare-from the farmers' perspective","volume":"14","author":"Phillips","year":"2024","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"30","DOI":"10.1186\/s40813-019-0135-8","article-title":"Irish pig farmer's perceptions and experiences of tail and ear biting","volume":"5","author":"Haigh","year":"2019","journal-title":"Porcine Health Manag"},{"key":"ref20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"31","DOI":"10.1007\/s00267-021-01546-y","article-title":"Have farmers had enough of experts?","volume":"69","author":"Rust","year":"2022","journal-title":"Environ Manag"},{"key":"ref21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e941","DOI":"10.1002\/vetr.941","article-title":"Exploring farmers' understanding of and responses to endemic animal health and welfare issues in the UK","volume":"189","author":"Mahon","year":"2021","journal-title":"Vet Rec"},{"key":"ref22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"79","DOI":"10.1017\/s0962728600002451","article-title":"Do farmers and scientists differ in their understanding and assessment of farm animal welfare?","volume":"20","author":"Hubbard","year":"2023","journal-title":"Anim Welf"},{"key":"ref23","volume-title":"A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing","year":"2023"},{"key":"ref24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-642-34333-9","volume-title":"Regression: Models, Methods and Applications","author":"Fahrmeir","year":"2013"},{"key":"ref25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.18637\/jss.v082.i13","article-title":"LmerTest package: tests in linear mixed effects models","volume":"82","author":"Kurznetsova","year":"2017","journal-title":"J Stat Softw"},{"key":"ref26","volume-title":"Emmeans: Estimated Marginal Means, aka Least-Squares Means. R Package Version 1.10.5","author":"Lenth","year":"2024"},{"key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"333","DOI":"10.1016\/s0168-1591(02)00276-9","article-title":"A case control study of on-farm risk factors for tail biting in pigs","volume":"81","author":"Moinard","year":"2023","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"677","DOI":"10.3390\/ani9090677","article-title":"Damaging behavior and associated lesions in relation to types of enrichment for finisher pigs on commercial farms","volume":"9","author":"van Staaveren","year":"2019","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"5193","DOI":"10.2527\/jas.2014-7918","article-title":"Damaging biting behaviors in intensively kept rearing gilts the effect of jute sacks and relations with production characteristics","volume":"92","author":"Ursinus","year":"2014","journal-title":"J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"5442","DOI":"10.2527\/jas.2015-9460","article-title":"Development of piglets raised in a new multi-litter housing system vs. conventional single-litter housing until 9 weeks of age","volume":"93","author":"van Nieuwamerongen","year":"2015","journal-title":"J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1034","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731119002805","article-title":"Effect of pen design on tail biting and tail-directed behavior of finishing pigs with intact tails","volume":"14","author":"Brandt","year":"2020","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"650590","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2021.650590","article-title":"Evaluation of tail lesions of finishing pigs at the slaughterhouse: associations with herd-level observations","volume":"8","author":"Heinonen","year":"2021","journal-title":"Front Vet Sci"},{"key":"ref33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"36","DOI":"10.3390\/ani7050036","article-title":"Exploration feeding and higher space allocation improve welfare of growing-finishing pigs","volume":"7","author":"Vermeer","year":"2017","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2178","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731120000828","article-title":"High biosecurity and welfare standards in fattening pig farms are associated with reduced antimicrobial use","volume":"14","author":"Stygar","year":"2020","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"584706","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2020.584706","article-title":"A high enrichment replenishment rate reduces damaging behaviors and increases growth rate in undocked pigs kept in fully slatted pens","volume":"7","author":"Chou","year":"2020","journal-title":"Front Vet Sci"},{"key":"ref36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"824","DOI":"10.3390\/ani9100824","article-title":"A review of the effects of non-straw enrichment on tail biting in pigs","volume":"9","author":"Buijs","year":"2019","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"125","DOI":"10.1016\/j.livsci.2016.07.009","article-title":"Influence of raw material on the occurrence of tail-biting in undocked pigs","volume":"191","author":"Veit","year":"2016","journal-title":"Livest Sci"},{"key":"ref38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.2903\/sp.efsa.2011.EN-181","article-title":"Preparatory work for the future development of animal based measures for assessing the welfare of pig\u2014Report 2: preparatory work for the future development of animal based measures for assessing the welfare of weaned, growing and fattening pigs including aspects related to space allowance, floor types, tail biting and need for tail docking","volume":"8","author":"Spoolder","year":"2011","journal-title":"EFSA Support Publ"},{"key":"ref39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"77","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tvjl.2012.03.004","article-title":"Prevalence of risk factors for tail biting on commercial farms and intervention strategies","volume":"194","author":"Taylor","year":"2012","journal-title":"Vet J"},{"key":"ref40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"269","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2007.04.005","article-title":"Prevention and treatment of tail biting in weaned piglets","volume":"110","author":"Zonderland","year":"2008","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"628","DOI":"10.3390\/ani9090628","article-title":"Producer perceptions of the prevention of tail biting on UK farms: association to bedding use and tail removal proportion","volume":"9","author":"Valros","year":"2019","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"34","DOI":"10.1016\/j.prevetmed.2017.07.008","article-title":"The \u201creal welfare\u201d scheme: identification of risk and protective factors for welfare outcomes in commercial pig farms in the UK","volume":"146","author":"Pandolfi","year":"2017","journal-title":"Prev Vet Med"},{"key":"ref43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"100353","DOI":"10.1016\/j.animal.2021.100353","article-title":"Review: the tale of the Finnish pig tail\u2014how to manage non-docked pigs?","volume":"16","author":"Valros","year":"2022","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"683","DOI":"10.17236\/sat00278","article-title":"Risk factors for tail lesions in undocked fattening pigs reared on Swiss farms","volume":"162","author":"Sell","year":"2020","journal-title":"Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd"},{"key":"ref45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2","DOI":"10.1186\/2055-5660-1-2","article-title":"Save the pig tail","volume":"1","author":"Valros","year":"2015","journal-title":"Porcine Health Manag"},{"key":"ref46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"825","DOI":"10.1016\/j.rvsc.2013.06.019","article-title":"Tail docking and the rearing of heavy pigs: the role played by gender and the presence of straw in the control of tail biting. Blood parameters, behavior and skin lesions","volume":"95","author":"Scollo","year":"2013","journal-title":"Res Vet Sci"},{"key":"ref47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"137","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tvjl.2009.08.028","article-title":"Tail-biting: a new perspective","volume":"186","author":"Taylor","year":"2010","journal-title":"Vet J"},{"key":"ref48","year":"2019"},{"key":"ref49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"72","DOI":"10.1053\/tvjl.2000.0520","article-title":"The relationship between tail biting in pigs, docking procedure and other management practices","volume":"161","author":"Hunter","year":"2001","journal-title":"Vet J"},{"key":"ref50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"148","DOI":"10.3390\/ani9040148","article-title":"The use of garlic oil for olfactory enrichment increases the use of ropes in weaned pigs","volume":"9","author":"Blackie","year":"2019","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref51","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0286188","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0286188","article-title":"Pigs' capacity to experience feelings and to suffer from tail lesion, ear lesion and lameness: exploring citizens and pig farm and abattoir workers' knowledge and perceptions","volume":"18","author":"Lemos Teixeira","year":"2023","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref52","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3221","DOI":"10.3390\/ani11113221","article-title":"Analysis of housing risk factors for the welfare of lean and heavy pigs in a sample of European fattening farms","volume":"11","author":"Ferrari","year":"2021","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"656211","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2021.656211","article-title":"Reduced stocking density and provision of straw in a rack improve pig welfare on commercial fattening farms","volume":"8","author":"Schodl","year":"2021","journal-title":"Front Vet Sci"},{"key":"ref54","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"100637","DOI":"10.1016\/j.animal.2022.100637","article-title":"Consequences of timing of organic enrichment provision on pig performance, health and stress resilience after weaning and regrouping","volume":"16","author":"Bu\u010dkov\u00e1","year":"2022","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"230","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2005.10.014","article-title":"Effects of species-relevant environmental enrichment on the behavior and productivity of finishing pigs","volume":"99","author":"Weerd","year":"2006","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref56","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"42","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2009.01.007","article-title":"Experience of moderate bedding affects behavior of growing pigs","volume":"118","author":"Munsterhjelm","year":"2009","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"49","DOI":"10.1016\/j.prevetmed.2005.01.004","article-title":"The impact of different housing systems on health and welfare of grower and finisher pigs in Switzerland","volume":"68","author":"Cagienard","year":"2005","journal-title":"Prev Vet Med"},{"key":"ref58","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"104","DOI":"10.1016\/j.livsci.2006.01.008","article-title":"The welfare of finishing pigs in two contrasting housing systems: fully-slatted versus straw-bedded accommodation","volume":"103","author":"Scott","year":"2006","journal-title":"Livest Sci"},{"key":"ref59","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"847","DOI":"10.1007\/s10806-012-9410-2","article-title":"Attitudes of Dutch pig farmers towards tail biting and tail docking","volume":"26","author":"Bracke","year":"2013","journal-title":"J Agric Environ Ethics"},{"key":"ref60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"92","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tvjl.2015.10.056","article-title":"Frequency of tail lesions and risk factors for tail biting in heavy pig production from weaning to 170 kg live weight","volume":"207","author":"Scollo","year":"2016","journal-title":"Vet J"},{"key":"ref61","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"15","DOI":"10.3390\/ani13040672","article-title":"Greek pig farmers' perceptions and experiences of tail biting and tail Docking","volume":"13","author":"Kakanis","year":"2023","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref62","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"305","DOI":"10.1016\/s0021-8634(84)80031-1","article-title":"The effects of air velocity and temperature on the behavior and growth of pigs","volume":"30","author":"Sallvik","year":"1984","journal-title":"J Agric Eng Res"},{"key":"ref63","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"56","DOI":"10.3390\/ani13010056","article-title":"Identifying early indicators of tail biting in pigs by variable selection using partial least squares regression","volume":"13","author":"Drexl","year":"2022","journal-title":"Animals (Basel)"},{"key":"ref64","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"41","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2018.00041","article-title":"Connecting different data sources to assess the interconnections between biosecurity, health, welfare, and performance in commercial pig farms in Great Britain","volume":"5","author":"Pandolfi","year":"2018","journal-title":"Front Vet Sci"},{"key":"ref65","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"4","DOI":"10.1093\/jas\/skad341.004","article-title":"182 influence of group size on performance and tail damage caused by tail biting in undocked growing-finishing pigs","volume":"101","author":"Archer","year":"2023","journal-title":"J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref66","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"21","DOI":"10.7120\/09627286.27.1.021","article-title":"Case control study on environmental, nutritional and management-based risk factors for tail-biting in long-tailed pigs","volume":"27","author":"Kallio","year":"2018","journal-title":"Anim Welf"},{"key":"ref67","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"771682","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2021.771682","article-title":"The evidence for a causal link between disease and damaging behavior in pigs","volume":"8","author":"Boyle","year":"2021","journal-title":"Front Vet Sci"},{"key":"ref68","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"207","DOI":"10.3920\/978-90-8686-894-0_8","volume-title":"The Suckling and Weaned Piglet","author":"Prunier","year":"2020"},{"key":"ref69","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2184","DOI":"10.3390\/ani11082184","article-title":"Effects of different housing systems during suckling and rearing period on skin and tail lesions, tail losses and performance of growing and finishing pigs","volume":"11","author":"Lange","year":"2021","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref70","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2081","DOI":"10.2527\/1996.7492081x","article-title":"Health, welfare, and productivity of pigs housed under specific-stress-free conditions in comparison with two-site systems","volume":"74","author":"Ekkel","year":"1996","journal-title":"J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref71","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1544","DOI":"10.2527\/1995.7361544x","article-title":"The specific-stress-free housing system has positive effects on productivity, health, and welfare of pigs","volume":"73","author":"Ekkel","year":"1995","journal-title":"J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref72","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"130","DOI":"10.3390\/agriculture10040130","article-title":"Tail lesions and losses of docked and undocked pigs in different farrowing and rearing systems","volume":"10","author":"Gentz","year":"2020","journal-title":"Agriculture (Basel)"},{"key":"ref73","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0174688","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0174688","article-title":"A link between damaging behavior in pigs, sanitary conditions, and dietary protein and amino acid supply","volume":"12","author":"Meer","year":"2017","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref74","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"909","DOI":"10.4141\/cjas87-096","article-title":"Mineral-deficient diets and the pig's attraction to blood implications for tail-biting","volume":"67","author":"Fraser","year":"1987","journal-title":"Can J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref75","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2","DOI":"10.1186\/s40813-016-0020-7","article-title":"Managing undocked pigs\u2014on-farm prevention of tail biting and attitudes towards tail biting and docking","volume":"2","author":"Valros","year":"2016","journal-title":"Porcine Health Manage"},{"key":"ref76","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"100721","DOI":"10.1016\/j.animal.2023.100721","article-title":"Old breeds, new solutions? Effects of two different traditional sire breeds on skin lesions, tail lesions, tail losses, performance and behavior of rearing pigs","volume":"17","author":"Lange","year":"2023","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref77","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"54","DOI":"10.1186\/s12711-023-00828-9","article-title":"Selection for social genetic effects in purebred pigs improves behavior and handling of their crossbred progeny","volume":"55","author":"Nielsen","year":"2023","journal-title":"Genet Sel Evol"},{"key":"ref78","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"52","DOI":"10.1186\/s12711-023-00816-z","article-title":"Using social interaction models for genetic analysis of skin damage in gilts","volume":"55","author":"Leite","year":"2023","journal-title":"Genet Sel Evol"},{"key":"ref79","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0194524","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0194524","article-title":"Automatic early warning of tail biting in pigs: 3D cameras can detect lowered tail posture before an outbreak","volume":"13","author":"D'Eath","year":"2018","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref80","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1479","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731114001359","article-title":"Injurious tail biting in pigs: how can it be controlled in existing systems without tail docking?","volume":"8","author":"D'Eath","year":"2014","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref81","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"38","DOI":"10.1186\/s40813-023-00334-w","article-title":"Effect of mixing at weaning and nutrient density of the weaner diet on growth performance and welfare of pigs to slaughter","volume":"9","author":"Gonz\u00e1lez-Sol\u00e9","year":"2023","journal-title":"Porcine Health Manage"},{"key":"ref82","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"31","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2012.11.006","article-title":"Effect of on farm mixing and slaughter strategy on behavior, welfare and productivity in Duroc finished entire male pigs","volume":"143","author":"F\u00e0brega","year":"2013","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref83","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"902","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731108002000","article-title":"Effect of rearing system and mixing at loading on transport and lairage behavior and meat quality: comparison of outdoor and conventionally raised pigs","volume":"2","author":"Barton Gade","year":"2008","journal-title":"Animal (Basel)"},{"key":"ref84","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"451","DOI":"10.4141\/A99-130","article-title":"Effects of rearing conditions on behavioural and physiological responses of pigs to preslaughter handling and mixing at transport","volume":"80","author":"Jong","year":"2000","journal-title":"Can J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref85","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"575","DOI":"10.3390\/ani10040575","article-title":"Effects of transport and lairage on the skin damage of pig carcasses","volume":"10","author":"Driessen","year":"2020","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref86","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"544","DOI":"10.3390\/ani10040544","article-title":"The impact of grouping on skin lesions and meat quality of pig carcasses","volume":"10","author":"Driessen","year":"2020","journal-title":"Animals (Basel)"},{"key":"ref87","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0251855","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0251855","article-title":"The multivariate approach identifies relationships between pre-slaughter factors, body lesions, ham defects and carcass traits in pigs","volume":"16","author":"Vitali","year":"2021","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref88","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"604","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731109991406","article-title":"Pigs' aggressive temperament affects pre-slaughter mixing aggression, stress and meat quality","volume":"4","author":"D'Eath","year":"2010","journal-title":"Animal (Basel)"},{"key":"ref89","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"255","DOI":"10.1016\/s0301-6226(01)00172-5","article-title":"Behavior of growing pigs kept in pens with outdoor runs","volume":"69","author":"Olsen","year":"2001","journal-title":"Livest Prod Sci"},{"key":"ref90","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"55","DOI":"10.1016\/j.livsci.2008.10.007","article-title":"Different roughages to organic growing\/finishing pigs\u2014influence on activity behavior and social interactions","volume":"123","author":"H\u00f8\u00f8k Presto","year":"2009","journal-title":"Livest Sci"},{"key":"ref91","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"215","DOI":"10.1016\/0168-1591(95)00631-2","article-title":"The effect of environmental stimulation on the development of behavior in pigs","volume":"45","author":"Petersen","year":"1995","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref92","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"107","DOI":"10.1016\/s0168-1591(00)00092-7","article-title":"The effects of weight asymmetry and resource distribution on aggression in groups of unacquainted pigs","volume":"68","author":"Andersen","year":"2000","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref93","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"71","DOI":"10.1016\/s0301-6226(99)00179-7","article-title":"Influence of environmental enrichment on the behavior, performance and meat quality of domestic pigs","volume":"65","author":"Beattie","year":"2000","journal-title":"Livest Prod Sci"},{"key":"ref94","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"151","DOI":"10.1016\/0168-1591(96)01031-3","article-title":"An investigation of the effect of environmental enrichment and space allowance on the behavior and production of growing pigs","volume":"48","author":"Beattie","year":"1996","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref95","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"118","DOI":"10.1016\/j.livsci.2012.07.003","article-title":"Welfare of entire males and females in organic pig production when reared in single-sex groups","volume":"149","author":"Thomsen","year":"2012","journal-title":"Livest Sci"},{"key":"ref96","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"21","DOI":"10.1016\/s0003-3472(72)80169-6","article-title":"Aggressive behavior amongst groups of domesticated pigs kept at various stocking rates","volume":"20","author":"Ewbank","year":"1972","journal-title":"Anim Behav"},{"key":"ref97","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"47","DOI":"10.1016\/s0301-6226(00)00159-7","article-title":"The effect of space allowance on performance, aggression and immune competence of growing pigs housed on straw deep-litter at different group sizes","volume":"66","author":"Turner","year":"2000","journal-title":"Livest Prod Sci"},{"key":"ref98","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3","DOI":"10.4141\/A06-041","article-title":"The effects of handling and group size on welfare of pigs in lairage and their influence on stomach weight, carcass microbial contamination and meat quality","volume":"87","author":"Rabaste","year":"2007","journal-title":"Can J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref99","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"798","DOI":"10.3390\/ani9100798","article-title":"Ease of handling and physiological parameters of stress, carcasses, and pork quality of pigs handled in different group sizes","volume":"9","author":"Dalla Costa","year":"2019","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref100","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1225","DOI":"10.1017\/s1751731116000069","article-title":"Influence of social mixing and group size on skin lesions and mounting in organic entire male pigs","volume":"10","author":"Thomsen","year":"2016","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref101","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"13","DOI":"10.1016\/S0309-1740(98)00008-4","article-title":"The effect of two handling and slaughter systems on skin damage, meat acidification and colour in pigs","volume":"50","author":"Faucitano","year":"1998","journal-title":"Meat Sci"},{"key":"ref102","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1591","DOI":"10.3390\/ani14111591","article-title":"Implications of lairage and environmental enrichment on behavioral responses and skin lesions in finishing pigs in a slaughterhouse","volume":"14","author":"Sobral","year":"2024","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref103","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1017","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731112002431","article-title":"The influence of a magnesium-rich marine extract on behavior, salivary cortisol levels and skin lesions in growing pigs","volume":"7","author":"O'Driscoll","year":"2013","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref104","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"41","DOI":"10.1016\/s0309-1740(01)00160-7","article-title":"Combined effects of pre-slaughter treatments and lairage time on carcass and meat quality in pigs of different halothane genotype","volume":"61","author":"Nanni Costa","year":"2002","journal-title":"Meat Sci"},{"key":"ref105","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"201","DOI":"10.1016\/s0376-6357(99)00036-4","article-title":"Poor rearing conditions and social stress in pigs: repeated social challenge and the effect on behavioural and physiological responses to stressors","volume":"46","author":"Olsson","year":"1999","journal-title":"Behav Process"},{"key":"ref106","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"5","DOI":"10.3390\/ani7010005","article-title":"Effects of the truck suspension system on animal welfare, carcass and meat quality traits in pigs","volume":"7","author":"Dalla Costa","year":"2017","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref107","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"109","DOI":"10.1136\/vr.142.5.109","article-title":"Adventitious bursitis of the hock in finishing pigs: prevalence, distribution and association with floor type and foot lesions","volume":"142","author":"Mouttotou","year":"1998","journal-title":"Vet Rec"},{"key":"ref108","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"265","DOI":"10.1016\/0301-6226(95)00050-u","article-title":"A comparison of productivity and welfare of growing pigs in four intensive systems","volume":"43","author":"Lyons","year":"1995","journal-title":"Livest Prod Sci"},{"key":"ref109","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"308","DOI":"10.1016\/j.prevetmed.2007.09.001","article-title":"A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and associated risk factors for bursitis in weaner, grower and finisher pigs from 93 commercial farms in England","volume":"83","author":"Gillman","year":"2008","journal-title":"Prev Vet Med"},{"key":"ref110","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"272","DOI":"10.1016\/j.prevetmed.2007.08.004","article-title":"A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and associated risk factors for capped hock and the associations with bursitis in weaner, grower and finisher pigs from 93 commercial farms in England","volume":"83","author":"KilBride","year":"2008","journal-title":"Prev Vet Med"},{"key":"ref111","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"483","DOI":"10.1007\/s11250-021-02912-y","article-title":"Evolution of welfare indicators of pigs housed in deep bedding systems during growing and finishing phases: assessment of good health principles and housing conditions","volume":"53","author":"Foppa","year":"2021","journal-title":"Trop Anim Health Prod"},{"key":"ref112","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"233","DOI":"10.1016\/S0301-6226(01)00327-X","article-title":"Health conditions of two genotypes of growing-finishing pig in three different housing systems: implications for welfare","volume":"75","author":"Guy","year":"2002","journal-title":"Livest Prod Sci"},{"key":"ref113","volume-title":"Limb Health in Pigs: The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lameness, Limb Lesions and Claw Lesions in Pigs, and the Influence of Gilt Nutrition on Indicators of Limb Health","author":"Quinn","year":"2014"},{"key":"ref114","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"39","DOI":"10.1016\/S0167-5877(98)00141-X","article-title":"Prevalence and risk factors associated with adventitious bursitis in live growing and finishing pigs in south-West England","volume":"39","author":"Mouttotou","year":"1999","journal-title":"Prev Vet Med"},{"key":"ref115","volume-title":"A Study of Adventitious Bursitis of the Hock of the Pig","author":"Smith","year":"1993"},{"key":"ref116","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"307","DOI":"10.15653\/TPG-170861","article-title":"Technopathien der Gliedma\u00dfen bei Mastschweinen: Ursachen, Entstehung, Tierschutzrelevanz","volume":"46","author":"Ostner","year":"2018","journal-title":"Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere"},{"key":"ref117","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"656","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731111001868","article-title":"The welfare of growing pigs in five different production systems: assessment of feeding and housing","volume":"6","author":"Temple","year":"2012","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref118","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"390","DOI":"10.1136\/inpract.31.8.390","article-title":"Impact of flooring on the health and welfare of pigs","volume":"31","author":"KilBride","year":"2009","journal-title":"In Pract"},{"key":"ref119","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"9","DOI":"10.1186\/s13620-018-0121-5","article-title":"Prevalence of welfare outcomes in the weaner and finisher stages of the production cycle on 31 Irish pig farms","volume":"71","author":"van Staaveren","year":"2018","journal-title":"Ir Vet J"},{"key":"ref120","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"142","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731115001779","article-title":"Does group size have an impact on welfare indicators in fattening pigs?","volume":"10","author":"Meyer-Hamme","year":"2016","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref121","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3160","DOI":"10.3390\/ani11113160","article-title":"Do rubber floor mats prevent lameness in gestating sows housed in large groups? A field experiment on three commercial farms in France","volume":"11","author":"Huneau-Salaun","year":"2021","journal-title":"Animals (Basel)"},{"key":"ref122","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2130","DOI":"10.1017\/S175173111700341X","article-title":"Effect of rubber mats and perforation in the lying area on claw and limb lesions of fattening pigs","volume":"12","author":"Falke","year":"2018","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref123","volume-title":"Key Figures on the European Food Chain\u20142024 Edition","year":"2024"},{"key":"ref124","volume-title":"Employment Indicators 2000\u20132021. FAOSTAT Analytical Briefs, No 53","year":"2022"},{"key":"ref125","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2002","DOI":"10.3390\/ani11072002","article-title":"Tail-biting in pigs: a scoping review","volume":"11","author":"Henry","year":"2021","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref126","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"431","DOI":"10.1007\/s10806-013-9471-x","article-title":"Scientists and Dutch pig farmers in dialogue about tail biting: unravelling the mechanism of multi-stakeholder learning","volume":"27","author":"Benard","year":"2014","journal-title":"J Agric Environ Ethics"},{"key":"ref127","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1524","DOI":"10.3390\/ani10091524","article-title":"Factors that influence farmers' views on farm animal welfare: a semi-systematic review and thematic analysis","volume":"10","author":"Balzani","year":"2020","journal-title":"Animals"},{"key":"ref128","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"569","DOI":"10.1007\/s10806-013-9477-4","article-title":"Attitudes of Canadian pig producers toward animal welfare","volume":"27","author":"Spooner","year":"2014","journal-title":"J Agric Environ Ethics"},{"key":"ref129","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"108","DOI":"10.1016\/j.livsci.2010.03.008","article-title":"Quantitative verification of the correspondence between the welfare quality\u00ae operational definition of farm animal welfare and the opinion of Flemish farmers, citizens and vegetarians","volume":"131","author":"Tuyttens","year":"2010","journal-title":"Livest Sci"},{"key":"ref130","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"245","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2005.06.009","article-title":"The accumulation of skin lesions and their use as a predictor of individual aggressiveness in pigs","volume":"96","author":"Turner","year":"2006","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref131","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"45","DOI":"10.1080\/1828051X.2018.1472531","article-title":"Enrichment devices for undocked heavy pigs: effects on animal welfare, blood parameters and production traits","volume":"18","author":"Nannoni","year":"2019","journal-title":"Ital J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref132","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"234","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2005.10.002","article-title":"Effect of temporary straw bedding on pigs\u2019 behavior, performance, cortisol and meat quality","volume":"98","author":"Peeters","year":"2006","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref133","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"42","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2011.06.010","article-title":"Peat as environmental enrichment for piglets: the effect on behavior, skin lesions and production results","volume":"134","author":"Vanheukelom","year":"2011","journal-title":"Appl Anim Behav Sci"},{"key":"ref134","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"874","DOI":"10.2527\/2003.814874x","article-title":"Effect of group size on performance of growing-finishing pigs","volume":"81","author":"Schmolke","year":"2003","journal-title":"J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref135","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"982","DOI":"10.2527\/jas.2007-0449","article-title":"Effects of housing finishing pigs in two group sizes and at two floor space allocations on production, health, behavior, and physiological variables","volume":"86","author":"Street","year":"2008","journal-title":"J Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref136","first-page":"22","article-title":"Wild boar social groupings and their seasonal changes in the Camargue, southern France","volume":"53","author":"Dardaillon","year":"1988","journal-title":"Z Saeugetierk"},{"key":"ref137","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"175","DOI":"10.1080\/09064700120126","article-title":"Slatted versus solid floors in the dung area: comparison of pig production system (moved versus not moved) and effects on hygiene and pig performance, weaning to four weeks after weaning","volume":"51","author":"Rantzer","year":"2001","journal-title":"Acta Agric Scand A Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref138","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"52","DOI":"10.1016\/j.shpsa.2018.02.006","article-title":"Scientists as experts: a distinct role?","volume":"69","author":"Gundersen","year":"2018","journal-title":"Stud Hist Philos Sci A"},{"key":"ref139","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"960379","DOI":"10.3389\/fanim.2022.960379","article-title":"International perceptions of animals and the importance of their welfare","volume":"3","author":"Sinclair","year":"2022","journal-title":"Front Anim Sci"},{"key":"ref140","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"87","DOI":"10.7120\/096272812799129466","article-title":"Students\u2019 attitudes to animal welfare and rights in Europe and Asia","volume":"21","author":"Phillips","year":"2012","journal-title":"Anim Welf"},{"key":"ref141","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"474","DOI":"10.3390\/ani12040474","article-title":"Animal welfare and the acknowledgment of cultural differences","volume":"12","author":"Garcia","year":"2022","journal-title":"Animals (Basel)"},{"key":"ref142","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"302","DOI":"10.1186\/s12915-023-01793-x","article-title":"Animal welfare research is fascinating, ethical, and useful-but how can it be more rigorous?","volume":"21","author":"Mason","year":"2023","journal-title":"BMC Biol"},{"key":"ref143","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"290","DOI":"10.2752\/089279306785415439","article-title":"Stakeholder attitudes toward farm animal welfare","volume":"19","author":"Heleski","year":"2006","journal-title":"Anthrozo\u00f6s"},{"key":"ref144","volume-title":"Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology","author":"Wilke","year":"2017"},{"key":"ref145","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1242809","DOI":"10.3389\/fpsyg.2023.1242809","article-title":"Editorial: highlights in psychology: cognitive bias","volume":"14","author":"Da Silva","year":"2023","journal-title":"Front Psychol"},{"key":"ref146","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1539","DOI":"10.1016\/j.paid.2008.01.010","article-title":"Are acquiescent and extreme response styles related to low intelligence and education","volume":"44","author":"Meisenberg","year":"2008","journal-title":"Pers Individ Dif"},{"key":"ref147","year":"2018"},{"key":"ref148","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"203","DOI":"10.1023\/a:1015012403331","article-title":"Dealing with ambivalence: farmers' and consumers' perceptions of animal welfare in livestock breeding","volume":"15","author":"Te Velde","year":"2002","journal-title":"J Agric Environ Ethics"},{"key":"ref149","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0224924","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0224924","article-title":"Pig farmers\u2019 willingness to pay for management strategies to reduce aggression between pigs","volume":"14","author":"Peden","year":"2019","journal-title":"PLoS One"}],"container-title":["Frontiers in Veterinary Science"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fvets.2026.1905492\/full","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]],"date-time":"2026-09-23T13:18:47Z","timestamp":1790169527000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fvets.2026.1905492\/full"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]]},"references-count":149,"alternative-id":["10.3389\/fvets.2026.1905492"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fvets.2026.1905492","relation":{},"ISSN":["2297-1769"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2297-1769","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]]},"article-number":"1905492"}}