The Status of Pig Welfare in Selected Districts of Uganda: Implications for Health and Productivity Interventions

We conducted a pig welfare survey in four high producing districts central Uganda, namely Masaka, Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso 2021. Data were collected from 270 farms, total of 3,561 pigs, consisted resource-based (housing water supply), animal-based (pig body condition physical injuries), management-based (records morbidity mortality) indicators health welfare. on animal obtained assessments pigs farm facilities, while management demographic details by farmer interview. Across all sow mortality the last 12 months was reported to be 2.5% (95% Confidence Interval: 1.7, 4.8%). Animal-based identified 9% (6.1, 13.7%) sows with scouring/diarrhea, 7.6% (4.7, 11.5%) lameness 92% (85.1, 96.7%) dry or lactating found “skinny” score 1 2. In addition, piglet as 10.2% (8.5, 12.9%). A 19% partially completely restricted free movement inside pens. Ninety-three per cent had continuous access water, but only 48.8% supplies clean. Twenty farms experiencing stillbirths , 15% ill thrift, 12.5% respiratory disease 10.8% gastrointestinal disease. district registered lowest which significantly lower compared other three districts. This study reveals that Ugandan are exposed severe undernutrition, dirty mortality, injuries, poor housing, challenges (stillbirth, Gastrointestinal disorders). Meaningful change livelihoods can made designing simple interventions target improve housing structures, provision cooling facilities especially during hot periods (heat stress) bedding materials. The findings also represent benchmark for assessment effect such designed productivity.