Experimental evaluation of two husbandry methods for growing-finishing pigs

A rejection of the conventional pig production system by the society has been occuring for few years, because it is generally associated with a negative environmental impact (problems of pollution and offensive odours), a poor animal welfare (due to high animal densities and bad housing conditions) and could be involved in a reduced meat quality. This feeling is observed in areas of high pig production density and also in areas showing a low pig farm density but a high potential for the development of pig production. Thus, in the near future, the pork chain has to propose different types of pig production systems that satisfy the consumer and citizen demands : lower environmental impact, better animal welfare and meat quality. The present study is set in this general objective, and aims to evaluate the effects of two contrasted pig husbandry methods on animal performance, welfare, health, environmental impact, and meat quality.