As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Brambell Report, we invite all interested in the field of porcine health and welfare to contribute to our special collection titled "Advancing Pig Welfare Through the Five Freedoms Framework" in the journal Porcine Health Management. This collection aims to explore and highlight innovative, evidence-based approaches that enhance pig welfare by adhering to the Five Freedoms framework — a cornerstone of animal welfare philosophy.
A Call for Innovative Research
In this special collection, we are particularly interested in research that addresses various aspects of pig welfare through the lens of the Five Freedoms. Potential topics for submission include, but are not limited to:
- Innovative Housing Designs: Exploring new systems that enhance comfort, reduce stress, and allow for natural behaviors.
- Enrichment Strategies: Investigating how environmental enrichments can improve the psychological well-being of pigs and promote natural behaviors.
- Pain Mitigation Protocols: Researching effective methods in improving treatments and to minimize pain during procedures.
- Cessation of Mutilations: Evaluating alternatives to common practices such as castration, tail docking and teeth grinding that compromise welfare.
- Pig-Centric Solutions: Prioritizing the perspectives and needs of pigs in welfare assessments and management practices.
We encourage submissions that not only present empirical research but also engage with theoretical perspectives, case studies, and reviews that can contribute to a broader understanding of pig welfare. This collection aims not only to disseminate new knowledge but also to foster dialogue and collaboration within the research community while providing practical implications. By bringing together diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, we hope to enhance the visibility of pig welfare issues and inspire further research and discussion in this vital area.
Join Us in Advancing Pig Welfare
We invite you to contribute your insights, findings, and innovations. By doing so, you will be part of a collective effort to advance the welfare of pigs, ensuring that their needs are met and their well-being is prioritized in modern pig farming systems.
Submissions are open now, and we look forward to your contributions that will help shape the future of pig welfare.
For more details on submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit the Porcine Health Management website.
The team of Editors working on this Collection is:
Professor Elisabeth grosse Beilage, DVM, PhD, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
Professor Mari Heinonen, DVM, PhD, University of Helsinki, Finland
About the editors
Professor Elisabeth grosse Beilage, DVM, PhD
Prof. Elisabeth grosse Beilage, PhD, is a veterinarian at the University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany. Her current research encompasses various topics relating to animal welfare in pigs, particularly studies of the clinical course of various diseases and injuries and the evaluation of criteria determining the point at which recovery becomes unlikely and euthanasia essential. These studies encompasses the recognition and evaluation of pain and suffering in spontaneously diseased/ injured pigs. Her research expertise extends to the fields of epidemiology, control and eradication of infectious pig diseases and herd health management.
Professor Mari Heinonen, PhD
Mari Heinonen works as the Professor in Swine Medicine in University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Medicine. She holds a Ph.D. in swine medicine and is Diplomate of European College of Porcine Health Management. Her research topics have covered pig diseases, disease prevention, medicine use for pigs, and pig welfare and behavior such as tail biting and castration of male pigs. She has also large animal practice background and a long history of university teaching, both practical and theoretical. In addition, she has supervised several veterinary students preparing their licentiate studies and Ph.D. researchers making their theses.