However, animal welfare is not only an ethical responsibility. Providing adequate living conditions for farm animals can also benefit production systems and the future of farming businesses.

Many producers still ask an important question: Is investing in animal welfare financially worthwhile?

Does it make sense to adopt practices that allow animals to express their natural behaviors, such as eating, resting, moving, and interacting with other animals?

The answer is yes.

Animal welfare and production results can go together

Research and farm experiences show that responsible animal care practices can bring benefits to both animals and producers.

When animals are raised with proper management and conditions that meet their physical and behavioral needs, they can present better health and productivity indicators.

At the same time, consumers are paying increasing attention to how animal products are produced. The way animals are raised has become an important factor for people who want more transparency about the origin of their food.

A case study: collective housing for pigs

One example comes from a study carried out at Granja Miunça, which compared two different production systems for pigs.

In one system, piglets were born and raised in collective pens, following animal welfare recommendations. In the other, the conventional system was used, with pregnant sows kept in individual stalls with limited space.

The results showed positive production differences in the collective housing system:

• 3.5% increase in the number of piglets born alive;
• 14% higher piglet weight at weaning.

The study shows that systems designed to better meet animals’ needs can also contribute to improved production outcomes.

Source: World Animal Protection (WAP) and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) – “Collective housing of pregnant sows.”

The role of animal welfare in the future of farming

Animal welfare is becoming an increasingly important topic in food production.

For producers, adopting better farming practices means responding to changing expectations from consumers while maintaining productive and competitive operations.

For consumers, transparency about how animals are raised helps build confidence in the products they choose.

Certifications such as Certified Humane® help identify production systems that follow recognized animal welfare standards based on scientific requirements and independent inspections.

Better care, better decisions for the future

Animal welfare should not be seen as separate from business performance.

The Granja Miunça case demonstrates that providing better conditions for animals can also be associated with positive production results.

By adopting responsible practices, producers can contribute to healthier animals, more transparent production systems, and a stronger relationship with consumers.

Providing appropriate conditions for farm animals is an important part of responsible animal production. Nutrition, water, housing, the environment and handling all play a role in how animals are cared for throughout their lives.

As this subject gains greater visibility, animal welfare is becoming part of the discussion about how food is produced and what consumers expect from the industry.

The consumer is paying attention

Food companies can invest in new products and marketing campaigns, but these efforts also need to consider changes in consumer expectations.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and about the origin of the food they buy. They want to know where the product on their table comes from and under what conditions the animals

 were raised before becoming part of the food supply.

This has made animal care an important consideration for the agricultural industry.

Consumers are also willing to pay more for products made with animal welfare in mind. A product carrying an animal welfare certification can be perceived as being of higher quality than one that provides no information about how the animals were raised.

For the industry, this means that good animal care practices are becoming increasingly important to the way products are produced and presented to consumers.

How did animal welfare become part of animal production?

The discussion about animal welfare began in the 1960s. In 1979, the publication of the Five Freedoms by the Farm Animal Welfare Council gave greater importance to animal welfare in discussions about farm animal production.

From that point forward, issues related to animal care became part of the conversation surrounding agricultural production.

Infrastructure, food, water, transportation and animal nutrition are among the aspects that need to be considered when looking at the conditions in which farm animals are raised.

Why do nutrition and environmental conditions matter?

Environmental management and animal nutrition are important elements of animal welfare.

hese practices also play an important role in preventing problems that can cause significant losses to the agricultural industry, such as salmonella outbreaks. The occurrence of the bacteria is associated with factors including inadequate hygiene and cleaning in environments where poultry and pigs are raised, poor management of waste and other residues, contaminated water, and a lack of control over birds, flies and rodents.

Nutrition is another factor that deserves particular attention.

Proper care of the environment and the food provided to animals is therefore an important part of managing production and protecting animal health.

Why does animal welfare certification matter?

Consumers who want to know whether a product has been produced with animal welfare in mind need reliable information. Certification provides a way to identify products that follow defined animal welfare standards.

The Certified Humane® program works to improve the lives of farm animals from birth through slaughter. Since 2003, Certified Humane® has followed the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Standards Manual.

The program’s standards establish specific animal welfare requirements and consider the characteristics of each species.

They are reviewed by a Scientific Committee made up of approximately 40 professionals from around the world. The committee studies the specific characteristics of each species to establish appropriate requirements for their care.

For consumers, the certification provides information about the standards followed in the production of a product. For producers and food companies, it offers a way to demonstrate their commitment to animal care through defined requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Welfare

What are the Five Freedoms?

The Five Freedoms are principles that became an important reference in discussions about farm animal welfare following their publication by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1979.

When did Certified Humane® begin following the HFAC Standards Manual?

Certified Humane® has followed the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Standards Manual since 2003.

What aspects of production are related to animal welfare?

Infrastructure, food, water, transportation, animal nutrition and environmental management are among the aspects related to animal welfare in farm animal production.

Do the standards consider the specific needs of different species?

Yes. The standards consider the specific characteristics of each species when establishing animal welfare requirements.

Learn more about Certified Humane® animal welfare standards

Animal welfare certification requires producers to follow clear guidelines related to nutrition, water availability, housing conditions, environmental management, and animal handling.

These requirements are part of the Certified Humane® standards and help ensure that pigs are raised according to practices designed to support their health, comfort, and overall well-being. In this article, we present 9 key practices required to support pig welfare in certified production systems.

1. Nutrition: healthy and adequate feed

Pigs must receive a balanced diet that provides the nutrients required for their development and different stages of production.

The nutritional needs of piglets, breeding sows, and growing pigs vary, and feed management must consider each animal’s age, weight, and physiological condition.

Beyond providing adequate feed, producers must ensure that food is accessible to all animals. Competition for feed should be minimized, as it can lead to aggression, fights, and injuries. Sows must also be protected from aggression by dominant animals within the group.

Feed may be provided through troughs that allow all pigs to eat at the same time. A space equivalent to 1.1 times the width of the animal’s shoulders is considered sufficient. Producers must ensure that feeders remain clean and functional. Certified Humane® standards require these systems to be checked twice daily.

Feed may also be provided directly on the floor, as long as the area is clean and free from contaminants.

2. Water: clean, fresh, and readily available

Pigs must have daily access to clean and fresh drinking water.

Drinkers must be properly positioned and adjusted to ensure that all animals can drink comfortably. Regular maintenance of water systems is essential to guarantee proper flow and availability.

Lactating sows require continuous access to clean water. Producers must also maintain emergency water supplies to ensure availability for at least 24 hours in case of unexpected issues, such as drought or contamination of the water source.

3. Facilities: safe environments that prevent injuries

Housing facilities must be designed to protect pigs from injuries.

Pens should not contain sharp edges, protrusions, or other structures that could harm animals. Electrical systems must be properly insulated, secured, protected from rodents, and regularly inspected.

The materials used on interior surfaces must be easy to clean and disinfect, helping reduce disease risks and maintain suitable conditions for animal well-being.

4. Environment: neither too cold nor too hot

Environmental conditions must protect pigs from extreme temperatures.

Acceptable temperature ranges vary according to animal weight and production stage. For pigs weighing more than 70 kg, for example, temperatures should remain between 10°C and 25°C.

During warmer periods, producers should adopt measures to prevent heat stress, such as providing cooling areas, mud wallows, natural or artificial shade, fans, sprinklers, drip systems, and misting systems.

5. Air quality: clean and properly ventilated

Proper ventilation is essential to maintain air quality and prevent excessive humidity, as pigs are susceptible to respiratory diseases.

Certified Humane® standards establish limits for ammonia concentration. Levels must remain below 10 ppm and should never exceed 25 ppm. Monitoring and recording of ammonia levels must be carried out regularly, at least once every two weeks.

6. Space: enough room to move freely

Providing enough space is essential for pig welfare, allowing animals to move, rest, and express natural behaviors.

The available space must be at least 1.5 times the area occupied by the animal when lying down. Specific requirements apply to growing pigs and breeding sows.

Confinement and restraint are restricted and may only be used in specific situations, such as veterinary procedures, routine examinations, or facility cleaning.

Producers should also minimize regrouping whenever possible, as changes in social groups can increase stress and aggression.

Environmental enrichment is an important part of pig welfare. Materials such as straw, wood shavings, or sawdust allow pigs to explore, root, and chew, supporting their natural behaviors.

7. Resting area: dry and comfortable

Pigs must have access to resting areas that are dry, comfortable, and large enough for all animals to lie down.

In indoor production systems, resting areas must have suitable flooring and drainage to prevent excessive moisture.

Outdoor systems require additional measures, including access to sheltered areas that protect animals from extreme weather conditions.

8. Farrowing: comfort for sows and piglets

Farrowing is one of the most important stages in pig production, as it involves both the welfare of the sow and the protection of newborn piglets.

Farrowing crates, which restrict the sow’s movement and limit interaction with piglets, are not permitted under Certified Humane® standards.

Sows must be housed in systems that allow greater freedom of movement and provide access to appropriate materials, such as straw, that support natural behaviors.

Before farrowing, sows must be provided with clean and comfortable conditions. They must remain in the farrowing area for at least 28 days after piglet birth, and farrowing pens must meet minimum space requirements of 1.8 m x 2.4 m.

9. Handling: calm and respectful management

Good pig welfare practices require animals to be handled calmly and carefully.

All employees involved in animal handling must receive appropriate training to understand pig behavior and reduce fear and stress during human interaction.

The goal is to ensure that pigs become accustomed to human contact and experience less stress when interacting with farm workers.

During preparation for transport, pigs must have access to water. A fasting period may be recommended to reduce discomfort during transportation, lasting at least four hours and no more than 18 hours before slaughter.

These practices represent only a summary of the broader Certified Humane® standards for pig production. Explore the complete standards and learn more about the practices that support better animal welfare in pig farming.

Symbols convey messages quickly and clearly. On animal-based food products, the Certified Humane® seal indicates that the product is connected to a production system evaluated according to specific animal welfare standards.

Although it occupies only a small space on the packaging, the seal represents a commitment that extends across different stages of production and the conditions in which animals are raised and handled.

Certification requires commitment

Farms and companies of different sizes can apply for Certified Humane® certification, provided they meet the standards established by the program and successfully complete the corresponding evaluation process.

On the other hand, not all companies are willing to follow this path or meet its requirements. 

In fact, some publicly advocate for animal welfare but disregard it when no one is watching: on farms with inadequate facilities, during improper transportation, or in poorly maintained slaughterhouses. Under these conditions, cattle, pigs, poultry, and other species that are part of our food supply chain may become ill, suffer, or be injured.

Distinguishing those who are genuinely committed from those seeking easy financial gain through empty rhetoric is part of the mission of the Certified Humane Institute, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization.

The certification mark displayed by companies indicates that, at some point, a business partner or farm owner made the decision that their business should not grow at the expense of unnecessary animal suffering.

How the Certified Humane® certification process works

To obtain certification, a company may need to adapt its production line or farm. It may also need to invest in employee training.

Above all, it must commit to transparency by periodically opening its facilities to inspections conducted by trained inspectors who visit the operation to verify whether good practices are being followed. The assessment considers technical criteria related to feed, access to water, health, housing, space, transportation, proper handling, and slaughter practices, when applicable.

As a result, the certification process helps consumers identify brands they can trust. More than just an image on the packaging, it represents auditing, accountability, and continuous improvement.

A symbol that helps consumers make informed choices

In a market where many brands talk about responsibility, independent certification helps distinguish those that are willing to demonstrate their practices according to technical standards.

The label does not replace complete information about production, but it provides a clear signal at the point of purchase. For consumers concerned about where their food comes from and the conditions in which animals are raised, this information can help support more informed choices.

Choosing certified products is also a way to recognize companies that invest in good practices and agree to undergo external assessments.

In short, the Certified Humane® seal demonstrates that animal welfare should not be treated merely as a marketing claim, but as a verifiable practice. To learn more about this topic, continue exploring our blog and discover how your purchasing decisions can help support more responsible production chains.

The first step is understanding that farm animals must be raised without physical suffering, unnecessary stress or environmental discomfort throughout all stages of their lives. This means recognizing that they are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain, fear, discomfort and positive states. In fact, the meaning of animal welfare goes beyond simply providing food and water. It is necessary to understand the specific needs of each species and adapt farms and production systems to meet those needs.

For animals to live well, it is necessary to provide them with:

• A balanced diet with the necessary nutrients for healthy development;
• Ingredients and practices that do not compromise their integrity;
• No use of antibiotics as growth promoters, except when needed for disease treatment under veterinary guidance;
• A suitable place to rest and move safely;
• Adequate access to feed and clean water;
• The opportunity to interact with other animals of the same species;
• A rearing system in which they can express natural behaviors.

Animal welfare seal

Certification is one of the clearest ways for consumers to know that the food they buy comes from animals raised according to recognized welfare standards. The Certified Humane® seal can be found on the packaging of products such as meat – including pork, beef and poultry – eggs and milk, as well as processed products that include certified animal-derived ingredients, such as pasta made with eggs or foods prepared with milk and dairy ingredients.

The work of Certified Humane® is to verify that companies and producers understand animal welfare and comply with the standards of Humane Farm Animal Care. One of its objectives is to help provide better living conditions for farm animals and make consumers aware that they can choose products from brands committed to responsible animal care throughout the production cycle.

Why get certified?

Consumers are increasingly attentive to products that come from production systems where animals are mistreated or kept in inadequate conditions. Certification shows that a product follows recognized standards for the care of farm animals. It can also open the door to a growing market and support greater credibility, efficiency and transparency in production. Producers of meat, including pork, beef, lamb and poultry, as well as eggs, milk and dairy products, can seek certification. Food companies that use certified animal-derived ingredients as raw materials can also apply.

By obtaining certification, companies strengthen their reputation and connect with consumers, retailers, restaurants, hotels and food service companies that value responsible sourcing. Below is the step-by-step process for obtaining animal welfare certification:

• Learn about the standards that must be met;
• Read the HFAC – Humane Farm Animal Care – Standards Manual, which explains the certification process;
• Request the required forms from Certified Humane®;
• After document verification, an inspector visits the production unit to validate the information and confirm that the requirements are being implemented;
• Once all requirements are met, certification is granted;
• The Certified Humane® seal can be used on approved product packaging to show consumers that the producer or manufacturer follows animal welfare standards;
• Each year, the producer receives a new inspection to ensure continued compliance with the requirements.

Consumers must choose certified products

Today, consumers have more information and are increasingly aware of how their choices influence the market. This is why many food companies, retailers, restaurants and hospitality groups have been reviewing their supply chains and seeking products from farms that follow animal welfare standards. The consumer’s role is essential for this change. By rejecting products linked to poor animal treatment and choosing certified options, consumers help encourage better practices throughout the food production chain.

How can you help as a consumer? First, look for and buy products that carry the Certified Humane® seal for animal welfare. Second, if your usual store, restaurant or market does not offer certified products, ask for them. You can also encourage family and friends to choose products that come from farms committed to better animal care.

Animals should not have to suffer. Good practices benefit everyone: consumers, producers, companies and retailers. Objectively speaking, animal welfare means providing animals with the conditions they need to live according to the natural behaviors of their species, with proper nutrition, health, comfort and care.

Visit our educational materials page to learn more about animal welfare and Certified Humane® certification.