Bewertung von Wohlbefinden in der praktischen Nutztierhaltung – Diskussion der Kriterienauswahl am Beispiel Mastschweinehaltung

摘要

Title of the paper: In the evaluation of animal welfare under practical husbandry conditions – beside a cleardefinition of welfare – selection of indicators plays an important role. Using the exampleof fattening pig husbandry, the usefulness of physiological, immunological andpathological, ethological, and technical criteria of husbandry conditions is discussed.While physiological and immunological parameters can lead to findings about stressreactions under controlled circumstances their direct transfer to practical conditions ishardly possible. On the contrary, ethological indicators as outer signs of inner states can be recorded most reliable. Beside stereotypies and aberrant behaviour as clear signs ofreduced welfare, especially in barren environments, the performance of species-specificbehaviour can point to a positive influence on welfare. Behavioural observations over alonger period of time considering plenty of (ethological) indicators build a solid base forselection of methods. For further interpretation of results behavioural data should besupplemented by parameters which can be recorded without major distraction of theanimals: general condition of the animal including injuries and soiling, performance,technical data of the husbandry conditions as well as the increasingly importantevaluation of carcasses.