{ "type": "page", "identifier": "page_148993", "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "navtitle": "", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs", "language": "en_US", "languages": [{ "id": 42, "value": "english", "locale": "en_US", "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs" }], "parentPage": { "contentItemID": "P146502", "language": "en_US", "title": "English", "url": "/en" }, "subPages": [ { "identifier": "page_150081", "contentItemID": "P150081", "language": "en_US", "title": "News", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/news", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "overview_page", "name": "Overzichtspagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "What are you looking for?", "lead": "", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_149306", "contentItemID": "P149306", "language": "en_US", "title": "Agenda", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/agenda", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "overview_page", "name": "Overzichtspagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "What are you looking for?", "lead": "", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_150748", "contentItemID": "P150748", "language": "en_US", "title": "Inspector@Work", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/inspector-at-work", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "overview_page", "name": "Overzichtspagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "What are you looking for?", "lead": "Inspector@Work presents inspectors telling their personal stories during inspections of pig welfare. They also give their views and opinions, which do not necessarily agree with the views and opinions of EURCAW-Pigs. Furthermore, experts are giving insight and knowledge on specific pig welfare topics. You can expect inspiration ánd information!", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_150360", "contentItemID": "P150360", "language": "en_US", "title": "Newsletter", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/newsletter", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content_page", "name": "Contentpagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "Do you want to stay up to date on our work? Subscribe to the EURCAW-Pigs' newsletter.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_149935", "contentItemID": "P149935", "language": "en_US", "title": "About EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/about-eurcaw-pigs", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content2_page", "name": "Rijke contentpagina" }, "headerimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/2/5/a/2561_fullimage_pen%20enrichment%20%28_wur%291280.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Pen enrichment - © WUR", "photographer": "© WUR", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [ "pigs", "enrichment", "docking", "tail", "biting", "pig" ] }, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "The establishment of Animal Welfare Reference Centres is laid down in the Official Controls Regulation (Articles 95 & 96). In 2018 the Commission designated the first European Union Reference Centre for Animal Welfare: 'EURCAW-Pigs'.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_149968", "contentItemID": "P149968", "language": "en_US", "title": "Our team", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/our-team", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content2_page", "name": "Rijke contentpagina" }, "headerimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/0/7/4/2693_fullimage_husbandry%20header%20photo.jpg", "width": 1920, "height": 1200, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Husbandry - Nukoon via Shutterstock", "photographer": "Nukoon", "photographer_hyperlink": "https://www.shutterstock.com/nl/g/Aumsama", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "Shutterstock", "source_info_hyperlink": "https://www.shutterstock.com/nl/image-photo/little-piglets-suckling-their-mother-298341737", "keywords": [ "pigs", "piglets", "husbandry", "piglet", "pig" ] }, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "EURCAW-Pigs provides scientific and technical knowledge to Competent Authorities of EU member states, to animal welfare policy workers and to their support bodies (e.g. science, training and communication). Each partner in the EURCAW-Pigs consortium has a relatively small team of 3-4 key staff who work in the Centre, and a much larger group of animal welfare experts from their own and affiliated institutes which they can call upon for additional support.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_150429", "contentItemID": "P150429", "language": "en_US", "title": "Contact", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/contact", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content_page", "name": "Contentpagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "Are you an inspector or pig welfare policy worker, or otherwise dealing with advice or support for official controls of pig welfare? Your question is our challenge! Please, send us an email with your question and details and we'll bring you in touch with the right expert.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_149041", "contentItemID": "P149041", "language": "en_US", "title": "Other EURCAWs", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/other-eurcaws", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content_page", "name": "Contentpagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "The establishment of Animal Welfare Reference Centres is laid down in the Official Controls Regulation (Articles 95 & 96), and 2018 the Commission designated a first European Union Reference Centre for Animal Welfare: 'EURCAW-Pigs'. Later EURCAW-Poultry-SFA and EURCAW-Ruminants & Equines followed.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_149065", "contentItemID": "P149065", "language": "en_US", "title": "Examples of artificial intelligence in slaughterhouses to improve animal welfare", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/examples-of-artificial-intelligence-in-slaughterhouses-to-improve-animal-welfare", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content2_page", "name": "Rijke contentpagina" }, "headerimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/2/5/a/2561_fullimage_pen%20enrichment%20%28_wur%291280.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Pen enrichment - © WUR", "photographer": "© WUR", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [ "pigs", "enrichment", "docking", "tail", "biting", "pig" ] }, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "Disclaimer: The companies currently known to EURCAW-Pigs that are working on this issue are presented here as 'Inspiring Examples'. However, EURCAW-Pigs has not tested or evaluated any of these systems. Therefore, EURCAW-Pigs is not able to give certain recommendation for any of these systems. Nevertheless, we believe that it may be helpful for Competent Authorities (CAs) and inspectors to get an impression of artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can potentially be used to support the monitoring of animal welfare aspects in slaughterhouses. \r\nThe order in which the systems are presented does not reflect a ranking of the systems. Although EURCAW-Pigs supports the general principle of using digital technology to improve animal welfare, reference to a particular product or company should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by EURCAW-Pigs to use that particular product. \r\nMore information can be accessed via the links given below. Anyone wishing to obtain more information about the technology should contact the person listed. In addition, the review by Voogt et al. (2023) gives more insight into the possibilities for CAs to monitor animal-related measures in slaughterhouses through the application of sensor technology and artificial intelligence.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_150882", "contentItemID": "P150882", "language": "en_US", "title": "EURCAW-Pigs' output", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/eurcaw-pigs-output", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content_page", "name": "Contentpagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "Below, all EURCAW-Pigs' written output is listed.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_150449", "contentItemID": "P150449", "language": "en_US", "title": "Privacy & cookie statement", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/privacy-cookie-statement", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content_page", "name": "Contentpagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "This website is a partnership between EURCAW-Pigs and the Green Knowledge Network (Groen Kennisnet). The protection of your privacy is taken very seriously and it is strived to provide services that are transparent, reliable, and focused on the individual. The personal data that is collected through the website is processed in accordance with the applicable privacy regulations.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_150694", "contentItemID": "P150694", "language": "en_US", "title": "Disclaimer", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/disclaimer", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "content_page", "name": "Contentpagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "Unless otherwise expressly stated, EURCAW-Pigs retains the rights to information presented on its websites and in its applications. This information includes texts, graphic material and logos. Without the permission of EURCAW-Pigs it is prohibited to reproduce, duplicate or make available in any way parts of the content of its websites.", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_150386", "contentItemID": "P150386", "language": "en_US", "title": "NewsNew", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/news-1", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "overview_page", "name": "Overzichtspagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "", "headerimages": [] } }, { "identifier": "page_149915", "contentItemID": "P149915", "language": "en_US", "title": "Dossier test", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier-test", "gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "overview_page", "name": "Overzichtspagina" }, "headerimage": {"error": "no image selected"}, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "", "lead": "", "headerimages": [] } } ], "metadata" : {"gkn_pagemetadata": { "page_type": { "id": "partner_page", "name": "Partnerpagina" }, "headerimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/0/7/4/2693_fullimage_husbandry%20header%20photo.jpg", "width": 1920, "height": 1200, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Husbandry - Nukoon via Shutterstock", "photographer": "Nukoon", "photographer_hyperlink": "https://www.shutterstock.com/nl/g/Aumsama", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "Shutterstock", "source_info_hyperlink": "https://www.shutterstock.com/nl/image-photo/little-piglets-suckling-their-mother-298341737", "keywords": [ "pigs", "piglets", "husbandry", "piglet", "pig" ] }, "video_header": "", "video_header_mobile": "", "startpaginalabel": {"id": ""}, "startpage_title": "EU Reference Centre for animal welfare - Pigs", "shownavigation": false, "searchidentifier": "", "placeholderzoekbox": "What are you looking for?", "lead": "", "headerimages": [] }} , "contents": [ { "area": "news", "title": "News", "contentarea_template": { "id": "contenttemplate_a", "name": "contenttemplate_a"},"background": false,"contentarea_leadtext": "","image": {"error": "no image selected"}, "elements": [ { "identifier": "element_520925", "type": "contentitemslist", "subtype": "highlight", "title": "", "mediaitems": [{ "identifier": "mediaitem_27577", "title": "Videos webinar \"What is a pig\" now available", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_news", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_news", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/newsitem/videos-webinar-what-is-a-pig-now-available" }, "lead": "The webinar \"What is a pig\" was organized by EURCAW-Pigs in December 2025. Central topic was the understanding of the natural behaviours of pigs, also called species-specific behaviours, being essential for ensuring pig welfare on farms. 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Episode seven is now online. In this episode two scientists give insight and knowledge on the importance of understanding natural behaviours of pigs, and how essential this is for ensuring pig welfare on farms.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/5/e/1/cid27233_1757943957987_cid1010498_1711040544719_Pig%20Welfare%20in%20Action3%20%28_EURCAW%29.jpg", "width": 2680, "height": 1436, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "" }, "publication_date": "2025-12-17T18:02+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-12-17T18:36+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Nieuws", "gkn_eurcaw", "Inspector@work", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "News", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "related_dossier": [], "keywords": [], "author": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "video_header": "", "link_extra_image": "", "subject_abstract": "Topics of pig welfare as well as the experiences of inspectors", "target_audience_abstract": "animal welfare inspectors", "region_abstract": "", "jumplinktext": "More info and sources" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_27234", "title": "Q2E on assessing tail length and lesions at the abattoir", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_news", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_news", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/newsitem/q2e-on-assessing-tail-length-and-lesions-at-the-abattoir" }, "lead": "EURCAW-Pigs received a question on the method to assess damage and length of finishing pig tails in slaughterhouses, and what the advantages and disadvantages are of sampling versus inspection of every pig tail.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/c/7/1/cid27234_1765998101792_Intact%20tail%20%28%C2%A9FLI%2C%20A.%20Schubbert%29.JPG", "width": 1280, "height": 853, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "" }, "publication_date": "2025-12-17T09:00+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-12-17T19:04+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Nieuws", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "News", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "related_dossier": [], "keywords": [], "author": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "video_header": "", "link_extra_image": "", "subject_abstract": "Method to assess damage and length of finishing pig tails", "target_audience_abstract": "Policy workers, official veterinarians, animal welfare inspectors", "region_abstract": "", "jumplinktext": "More info and sources" } } ] } , { "identifier": "element_520927", "type": "contentitemslist", "subtype": "normal", "title": "Agenda", "mediaitems": [] } , { "identifier": "element_520928", "type": "modularcontent", "gkn_link": { "linktext": "Go to the news overview", "link_url": "", "link_intern": { "title": "News", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/news" } } } , { "identifier": "element_520929", "type": "contentitemslist", "subtype": "carrousel", "title": "Quick access to welfare topics", "mediaitems": [ { "identifier": "mediaitem_2095", "title": "Tail biting and tail docking", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/tail-biting-and-tail-docking-dossier" }, "lead": "Routine tail docking, although banned in the EU, is persistent in conventional pig farming as it reduces the risk of tail biting. Tail biting is an abnormal behaviour of pigs related to suboptimal housing and/or management involving stress and reduced welfare. It is associated with an inability to perform species-specific behaviours related to exploration (enrichment) and searching for food (rooting).", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/2/5/a/2561_fullimage_pen%20enrichment%20%28_wur%291280.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Pen enrichment - © WUR", "photographer": "© WUR", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [ "pigs", "enrichment", "docking", "tail", "biting", "pig" ] }, "publication_date": "2022-02-23T13:42+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:09+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_2126", "title": "Farrowing housing and management", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/farrowing-housing-and-management-dossier" }, "lead": "Health and welfare of sows is especially challenged with severe space restriction (e.g. in conventional crates), heat stress during warm periods, lack of nest building materials, and large litters. Challenges for the health and welfare of piglets – possibly leading to reduced growth and increased mortality - include high competition for teats, limited space for resting and for suckling, lack of exploratory material, and mutilations. Risks can be considerably reduced if correct measures and practices are introduced to meet the needs of sows and piglets.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/7/e/6/2557_fullimage_nest%20building%20-%20jute%20sack%20%28photo%20wur%29.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Nest building jute sack - © WUR", "photographer": "© WUR", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [ "pigs", "piglets", "housing", "farrowing", "sow", "piglet", "nest", "jute", "pig" ] }, "publication_date": "2022-03-09T09:37+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-10-22T10:18+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_1998", "title": "Group-housing and mixing of sows", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/group-housing-and-mixing-of-sows-dossier" }, "lead": "Council Directive 2008/120/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs states that pregnant sows must be housed in groups from four weeks after service until one week before the expected time of farrowing. Mixing of unfamiliar sows leads to agonistic behaviour to establish social relationships, and is therefore a challenge to sow health and welfare. Further challenges for sow welfare are: living in groups associated with competition for limited resources (especially food), lack of satiety due to restrictive feeding of pregnant sows, and climate and climate and resting comfort, in particular on heat stress.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/b/5/4/2565_fullimage_dynamic%20group%20%28_fli_%20a.%20schubbert%29.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": 790, "focuspoint-y": 262, "alternative_text": "Dynamic group - © FLI, A. Schubbert", "photographer": "© FLI, A. Schubbert", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [ "pigs", "housing", "mixing", "sows", "pig", "group" ] }, "publication_date": "2022-03-09T09:40+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:08+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_1951", "title": "Climate control and space allowance during transport", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/climate-control-and-space-allowance-dossier" }, "lead": "Climate control and space allowance during transport is important, e.g. for the homeostatic control of body temperature of the animals. Thermoregulation is necessary for pig welfare (as it affects thermal comfort, heat stress, cold stress and survival). The pig’s ability to thermoregulate depends on maintaining a balance between heat production and heat loss. It is affected by environmental variables like ambient temperature, air speed and humidity. Space allowance during transport is furthermore important to give the animals the opportunity to change body positions, access to water on long journeys and to lie down and rest. Ideally, enough space should also be provided to move away from aggressors during fights.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/e/c/a/2607_fullimage_transport%20%28_aarhus%20university%291280.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": 726, "focuspoint-y": 326, "alternative_text": "Transport - Photo © Aarhus University", "photographer": "© Aarhus University", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [] }, "publication_date": "2022-04-25T10:43+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:07+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_2084", "title": "Fitness for transport", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/fitness-for-transport-dossier" }, "lead": "Across the different pig categories, transport is a multifactorial stressor. For some pigs with certain pre-transport characteristics (of which some, but not all, are related to animal health), the challenges of transport are larger than average, possibly leading to serious welfare concerns or even death. Such pigs are unfit for transport.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/c/5/0/2576_fullimage_pigs%20in%20truck%20%28_fli%29.jpg", "width": 3872, "height": 2592, "focuspoint-x": 2274, "focuspoint-y": 1352, "alternative_text": "Pigs in truck - © FLI", "photographer": "© FLI", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [] }, "publication_date": "2022-03-09T09:17+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:09+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_1985", "title": "Arrival and lairage management", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/arrival-and-lairage-management-dossier" }, "lead": "The majority of pigs being slaughtered are finishers ranging from 70 to 140 kg. Finishers are usually picked up from farms, transported and, at the slaughter plant, most often kept in lairage pens in familiar groups. The general requirement of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing is that each pig arriving and handled at the slaughterhouse shall be spared any avoidable pain, distress and suffering. However, after arrival at the slaughterhouse, pigs are confronted with an entirely new environment which they have to cope with, posing major challenges for pig welfare.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/b/d/c/2738_fullimage_lairage%20pen%20with%20destraction.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Lairage pen with distraction - © EURCAW-Pigs", "photographer": "© EURCAW-Pigs", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [] }, "publication_date": "2022-03-21T08:48+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:07+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_2004", "title": "Pig stunning and bleeding", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/pig-stunning-and-bleeding-dossier" }, "lead": "Slaughter must legally spare animals any avoidable pain, distress or suffering. This implies that moving animals into the stunner and holding them there for the purpose of stunning must be done without causing undue fear and distress as may be shown by animals vocalising and trying to turn back or being reluctant to move. Stunning should apply proper electric current or CO2 concentrations such that animals rapidly lose consciousness and do not recover before they have been killed by bleeding.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/b/8/e/2770_fullimage_head-to-body%20stunning%20%28_a.%20velarde_%20irta%29.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": 601, "focuspoint-y": 409, "alternative_text": "Head-to-body stunning - © A. Velarde, IRTA", "photographer": "© A. Velarde, IRTA", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [ "head", "pigs", "stunning", "body", "pig" ] }, "publication_date": "2022-03-09T11:07+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:08+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_2114", "title": "Killing on farm", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/killing-on-farm-dossier" }, "lead": "Pigs are emergency killed on the farm for various causes. Reasons for killing on farm are, for example, piglets that are not viable or develop severe and incurable disease that occurs or worsens later in life. In these cases, it is always a case-by-case decision and is therefore referred to as euthanasia. On the other hand, sometimes pigs have to be killed on farm for reasons of animal disease control in order to prevent the spread of infections to other animals or humans. This is a large-scale killing, so the terms depopulation or mass-killing are used here.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/9/5/7/4081_fullimage_check%20for%20breathing%20%28_fli%29.jpg", "width": 1270, "height": 845, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Check for breathing (©FLI)", "photographer": "© FLI", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [] }, "publication_date": "2023-01-19T14:40+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:09+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_2043", "title": "Heat stress on farm", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/heat-stress-in-pigs-on-farm-dossier" }, "lead": "With increasing global temperatures, the risk of heat stress for farm animals is growing. As pigs are not able to sweat and in livestock houses they generally do not have the opportunity to wet themselves, an ambient temperature above the upper critical temperature leads to reduced welfare and performance. This upper critical temperature varies per pig category (including weight) and is considerably lower for lactating sows than for newborn piglets. At high humidity even lower temperatures can lead to heat stress.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/1/3/c/3601_fullimage_ligcomfort-temperatuur%20%28_wur%29.jpg", "width": 1280, "height": 720, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "", "photographer": "© WUR", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [] }, "publication_date": "2023-02-22T16:28+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:08+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "2023-02-23T00:00+02:00" } }, { "identifier": "mediaitem_1989", "title": "Keeping entire male pigs", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_dossier", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dossier/keeping-entire-male-pigs-dossier" }, "lead": "The practice of surgical castration raises concerns regarding animal welfare. Raising entire or intact male pigs is an alternative to castration. In addition to offering an alternative to an aversive treatment, entire males offer several advantages in terms of improved feed efficiency, reduced feed intake and enhanced protein deposition. On the other hand, behavioural characteristics of entire males can lead to injuries and reduced welfare. Enhancing the welfare of entire males requires attention to key aspects in housing and management.", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/b/7/6/3741_fullimage_entire%20males%20in%20pens%20with%20restricted%20liquid%20feeding%20%28_wur%29.png", "width": 466, "height": 349, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Entire males in pens with restricted liquid feeding (©WUR)", "photographer": "©WUR", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [ "pigs", "pig", "feeding" ] }, "publication_date": "2023-11-02T11:04+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2025-09-15T12:07+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "Dossier", "gkn_eurcaw", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Dossier", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "video_header": "", "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "experts": [], "link_extra_image": "", "last_update": "" } } ] } ] }, { "area": "indicatorfactsheets", "title": "Indicator factsheets", "contentarea_template": { "id": "contenttemplate_text", "name": "contenttemplate_text"},"background": true,"contentarea_leadtext": "","image": {"error": "no image selected"}, "elements": [ { "type": "text", "html": "

Welfare indicators addressing nine prioritized welfare areas are described. These can be used by inspectors to identify potential or existing welfare problems and to verify compliance with EU legislation.<\/p>

For each indicator, a factsheet is developed which describes the underlying welfare concern, the legal requirements, and a suggested inspection and scoring method. The factsheets are available in English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch and Romanian.<\/p>" } , { "identifier": "element_520932", "type": "modularcontent", "gkn_link_menu": { "menu_title": "Indicator factsheets", "linktext1": "English", "link_url1": "", "link_intern1": { "title": "English - Indicator factsheets", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/indicator-factsheets-en" }, "linktext2": "Deutsch", "link_url2": "", "link_intern2": { "title": "Deutsch - Indicator Factsheets", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/indicator-factsheets-de" }, "linktext3": "Español", "link_url3": "", "link_intern3": { "title": "Español - Fichas técnicas de indicadores", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/indicator-factsheets-es" }, "linktext4": "Français", "link_url4": "", "link_intern4": { "title": "Français - Fiches d’information", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/indicator-factsheets-fr" }, "linktext5": "Nederlands", "link_url5": "", "link_intern5": { "title": "Nederlands – Indicator factsheets", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/indicator-factsheets-nl" }, "linktext6": "Română", "link_url6": "", "link_intern6": { "title": "Română – Fișe cu indicatori", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/romana-fise-cu-indicatori" }, "linktext7": "Polski", "link_url7": "", "link_intern7": { "title": "Polski - Podsumowania wskaźników", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/polski-podsumowania-wskaznikow" }, "linktext8": "Dansk", "link_url8": "", "link_intern8": { "title": "Dansk - indikator faktaark", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/dansk-indikator-faktaark" }, "linktext9": "", "link_url9": "", "linktext10": "", "link_url10": "", "linktext11": "", "link_url11": "", "linktext12": "", "link_url12": "" } } ] }, { "area": "eurcaw-pigsnewsletter", "title": "EURCAW-Pigs newsletter", "contentarea_template": { "id": "contenttemplate_newsletter", "name": "contenttemplate_newsletter"},"background": false,"contentarea_leadtext": "Do you want to be kept informed? Subscribe to the EURCAW-Pigs Newsletter.","image": {"error": "no image selected"}, "elements": [ { "identifier": "element_520934", "type": "modularcontent", "gkn_newsletter": { "newsletter_id": "3c4e09c9-7f44-4947-a8e0-186673050558", "placeholder": "Email adress", "button_text": "Subscribe" } } ] }, { "area": "featured", "title": "Featured", "contentarea_template": { "id": "contenttemplate_b", "name": "contenttemplate_b"},"background": true,"contentarea_leadtext": "","image": {"error": "no image selected"}, "elements": [ { "identifier": "element_520936", "type": "contentitemslist", "subtype": "highlight", "title": "", "mediaitems": [{ "identifier": "mediaitem_27591", "title": "Podcast Pig Welfare in Action - #7: Lene Juul Pedersen and Lars Schrader", "contenttype": "wmammodularcontent_gkn_other", "contenttype_title": "contenttype_wmammodularcontent_gkn_other", "link": { "type": "internal", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/item/podcast-pig-welfare-in-action-6-lotte-nygaard-holbech-1" }, "lead": "Episode 7 is with professor Lene Juul Pedersen (Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark) and professor Lars Schrader (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, part of Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany).", "leadimage": { "source": "https://api.groenkennisnet.nl/upload_mm/c/1/a/4637_fullimage_cid797027_1711040544719_pig%20welfare%20in%20action3%20%28_eurcaw%29%20%281%29.jpg", "width": 1000, "height": 535, "focuspoint-x": -1, "focuspoint-y": -1, "alternative_text": "Welfare in Action, ©EURCAW", "photographer": "©EURCAW", "photographer_hyperlink": "", "photo_license": "©EURCAW", "photo_license_hyperlink": "", "source_info": "", "source_info_hyperlink": "", "keywords": [] }, "publication_date": "2026-02-16T10:45+02:00", "lastmodified_date": "2026-02-16T12:46+02:00", "expiration_date": "", "keywords": [ "gkn_eurcaw", "Inspector@work", "English" ], "item_metadata": { "contentsubtype": "Inspector@work", "theme": ["gkn_eurcaw"], "keywords": [], "author": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "contactperson": { "title": "EURCAW-Pigs", "url": "/en/groenkennisnet/person/editors-eurcaw-pigs" }, "link_extra_image": "", "subject_abstract": "inspections, farms, animal welfare, natural behaviours, podcast", "target_audience_abstract": "animal welfare inspectors", "region_abstract": "", "Jumplinktext": "More information" } }] } , { "identifier": "element_520937", "type": "modularcontent", "gkzindexmanual": { "title": "Top downloads", "gkz_content_id": [ "1061358", "1034800", "1060879" ] } } , { "identifier": "element_520938", "type": "modularcontent", "gkn_link": { "linktext": "More Inspector@Work", "link_url": "", "link_intern": { "title": "Inspector@Work", "url": "/en/eurcaw-pigs/inspector-at-work" } } } ] }, { "area": "servicesandactivities", "title": "Services and activities", "contentarea_template": { "id": "contenttemplate_text", "name": "contenttemplate_text"},"background": false,"contentarea_leadtext": "EURCAW-Pigs provides scientific and technical knowledge to Competent Authorities of EU member states and their support bodies, for the official controls on pig welfare requirements laid down in the European pig welfare legislation.","image": {"error": "no image selected"}, "elements": [ { "type": "text", "html": "

The consortium<\/a> between Friedrich Loeffler Institut (FLI, Germany), Aarhus University (AU, Denmark) and Wageningen Livestock Research (WLR, The Netherlands) was designated as the European Union Reference Centre for Animal Welfare for Pigs (EURCAW-Pigs), and started operating on 1 October 2018. EURCAW-Pigs' main areas of activity are described in detail in its Work Programme 2025-2027<\/a>:<\/p>