Toward a better knowledge of pig behaviour for a good relationship with humans in farms

Abstract

The relationship between pigs and humans is at the heart of animal husbandry and animal welfare. Humans, through their behaviour and their choices of practices, housing conditions and herd management, influence the mental state of their animals. This article reviews the knowledge on human-animal relationship in pig farming. Farming practices and management systems have an impact on the relationship between pigs and humans. Many practices are sources of pain and fear and induce subsequent reactions of fear in piglets towards humans, even unknown ones. Contrarily, practices that aim at developing a close relationship, reduce fear and increase confidence in humans. Human presence, even for a few minutes per day, is sufficient to get a pig used to humans. Talking to animals is essential, even in utero. Piglets appreciate soft tactile contacts, strokes and scratches. Thus, human presence, when combined with positive interactions, gains a positive value, which creates a climate of trust and stimulates positive emotions that will improve animal welfare. Creating a good relationship in farms is thus essential. It will benefits to pig welfare, but also for famers’ security and satisfaction at work. It necessitates a better understanding of the pig behaviour in order to take more account of it. Giving advice and training farmers have to integrate this knowledge.