Italian pig producers' attitude toward animal welfare

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitude of pig farmers toward animal welfare in light of the state‐of‐the‐art legislation on animal welfare and production schemes in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The general framework regarding pig production, legislation and production schemes will be described by a literature review and personal communications from experts in the field. The results of farmers' attitudes toward animal welfare are based on a survey carried out among pig producers.

Findings

The main findings of the research are related to the survey results among pig producers. The paper presents a short description of the Italian pig sector and the results of the animal welfare legislation and production schemes.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is the relatively limited number of survey interviews. For this reason the sample cannot be considered statistically representative of the whole country.

Practical implications

The information collected in this article could represent a useful source for farmers, policy makers, and retailers, as well as consumers interested in animal welfare issues.

Originality/value

This is the first time that pig producers have been asked to express their opinion on animal welfare as defined by the legislation in force and the existing production schemes.

Citation

Menghi, A. (2007), "Italian pig producers' attitude toward animal welfare", British Food Journal, Vol. 109 No. 11, pp. 870-878. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700710835688