Course structure: from fundamentals to practical auditing
The programme consists of five modules that systematically cover all key components of pig welfare.
- The first module provides a foundational understanding of the topic, including welfare principles, the “Five Freedoms” concept, pig behavior, legislative requirements, and assessment criteria. Special attention is given to inspection preparation.
- The second module focuses on feeding and watering, covering minimum standards, body condition scoring, and managing competition for resources in group housing.
- The third module addresses housing conditions, including environmental parameters, space organization, and evaluation approaches during inspections.
- The fourth module covers animal health, including the assessment of injuries and lameness, disease prevention, humane handling principles, and inspection criteria.
- The fifth module focuses on behavior, including meeting pigs’ natural needs, environmental enrichment, human–animal interaction, and fostering a positive emotional state.
Practical skills for production
Upon completion, participants will be able to interpret welfare indicators, assess housing conditions and animal status, identify signs of stress and behavioral disorders, and effectively prepare for inspections.
A key emphasis is placed on a systemic approach: welfare is treated not as a standalone element, but as an integral part of efficient production.
The course is designed for pig farm workers, veterinarians, inspectors, as well as teachers and students of agricultural disciplines.
Training is free of charge and available at any time. Upon completing the assignments, participants receive a certificate.
Enroll here:
https://courses.agriacademy.org/courses/course-v1:FAO+PigWelfare+2026Q1/about
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded by domestic pork producers. Its main objectives are to represent and protect the rights and interests of member farms, promote the development and implementation of efficient pork production technologies, expand market access, and protect the domestic market.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to reduce poverty and hunger worldwide by developing agriculture, improving nutrition, and addressing food security challenges (ensuring access to food for all at all times). It was founded in Quebec on October 16, 1945. Its motto is “Helping to build a world without hunger.”
AgriAcademy is a digital educational platform for knowledge and skills exchange in agribusiness. Its goal is to improve access for the Ukrainian agribusiness community to professional skills, successful business cases, and innovative solutions that meet current market challenges.