Change in Norwegian consumer attitudes towards piglet castration: increased emphasis on animal welfare

• DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-00522-6
• Publication Date: 2020-05-26T08:02:59Z
• Authors: Marianne Sødring; Ola Nafstad; Torunn Thauland H...
• Keywords: Boar taint; Norwegian

Male piglets are surgically castrated at a young age primarily to prevent pork meat from being tainted with boar taint, an offensive taste and odor that can be present in uncastrated male pigs. The practice of surgical castration is considered both stressful painful for the piglets, therefore under scrutiny due animal welfare concerns. Rearing intact males or vaccination against taint (immunocastration) two potential alternatives castration, but order successfully implement either these alternatives, consumer acceptance different methods must taken into consideration as it will central future sales products. A survey mapping Norwegian consumers' attitudes toward piglet was conducted explore whether position regarding has changed since almost identical study completed 2008.The internet-based found consumers comfortable current anesthesia, also they open alternative method taint. When provided additional information stating may not able reduce levels anesthesia does, skepticism towards increased. evaluating methods, most important influencing factor. Since original 2008, single factor increased among set assessment criteria when purchasing products.Norwegian regard products importance initial 2008. Although using local still widely accepted consumers, today's declined