EUPAHW

Call1

Requests and Offers

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mauro spanghero
Italy
Università degli Studi di Udine
University
fattening pig, gastric lesions, forages, fiber, feeding behaviour
1. Novel Technologies for Prevention, Detection, Assessment and Management of Animal Health and Welfare
Several surveys conducted on slaughter sites have highlighted that the presence of gastric lesions is a critical issue in fattening pigs, and they are mainly related to feeding regimes. Fibrous feeds are a possible dietary solution and are also essential for ensuring satiety and explorative behaviors in pigs, maybe mitigating aggressive and nervous behavior (tail biting and other skin lesions). Our group is interested in participating in a consortium to propose a project aimed at studying the utilization of fibrous feeds in fattening pigs to improve health (by reduction of gastric damages) and welfare (by satisfaction of satiety and promoting optimum behavior). Therefore, we are interested in developing research on this theme in Topic 1, within Research Action 006-Action 6. Welfare and health status in feeding trials will be evaluated by monitoring animal performance, feeding behavior, and stomach examinations at the abattoir.
The Department of Agricultural, Environment, Food, and Animal Science (Di4a) is one of the 8 departments of the University of Udine (North East Italy). It includes around 120 professors and researchers, 200 co-workers, and 60 technicians and administrative personnel. The Di4a has scientific expertise in animal and plant production, food technologies and
environmental issues.