Modern Pig Production: Aspects of Animal Welfare, Sustainability and Circular Bioeconomy

Evangelia N. Sossidou, Georgios F. Banias (), Maria Batsioula, Sofia-Afroditi Termatzidou, Panagiotis Simitzis, Sotiris I. Patsios and Donald M. Broom
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Evangelia N. Sossidou: Veterinary Research Institute, Ellinikos Georgikos Organismos-DIMITRA, ELGO-DIMITRA Campus, 1st District Rd. Thessaloniki—Polygyros, 570 01 Thermi, Greece
Georgios F. Banias: Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Lab, Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (IBO), Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH), 6th km Charilaou—Thermi Rd., 570 01 Thessaloniki, Greece
Maria Batsioula: Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Lab, Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (IBO), Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH), 6th km Charilaou—Thermi Rd., 570 01 Thessaloniki, Greece
Sofia-Afroditi Termatzidou: Veterinary Research Institute, Ellinikos Georgikos Organismos-DIMITRA, ELGO-DIMITRA Campus, 1st District Rd. Thessaloniki—Polygyros, 570 01 Thermi, Greece
Panagiotis Simitzis: Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Sotiris I. Patsios: Laboratory of Natural Resources and Renewable Energies, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 6th km Charilaou—Thermi Rd., 570 01 Thessaloniki, Greece
Donald M. Broom: Department of Veterinary Medicine and St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-27

Abstract: Modern pig production must balance efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability while embracing circular bioeconomy principles. This review critically examines the scientific literature from the past decade, focusing on the environmental impacts of pig farming, animal welfare considerations, and circular bioeconomy strategies. Key challenges include the ethical treatment of pigs, regulatory frameworks, and the sector’s contribution to climate change through emissions and resource use. Sustainable pig farming relies on innovative housing systems, welfare-oriented management practices, and legislative measures that improve animal welfare. Moreover, integrating circular bioeconomy strategies, which include manure management for biogas production, alternative feed ingredients, and wastewater recycling, enhances resource efficiency while reducing environmental footprints. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies provide insight into the environmental impacts of different production systems, guiding policymakers and producers toward more sustainable practices. Despite these advances, further research is needed to optimize feed alternatives, improve manure treatment technologies, and explain how to improve animal welfare standards. This review highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in achieving sustainable pig farming and underscores the need for continued innovation in aligning productivity and environmental aims.

Keywords: animal welfare; circular bioeconomy; sustainability; pig production systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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