The swine market movement and structure in Mexico: Implications for animal welfare and environmental impact

TL;DR

This study examines how pigs are moved in Mexico and finds that long transport times and poor conditions could harm animal welfare and the environment.

Contribution

The study provides a network-based analysis of swine movement in Mexico and identifies animal welfare and environmental implications.

Findings

33.3 million pigs are transported annually in Mexico, mostly for slaughter.

The swine movement network has low density and centrality, leading to high market concentration.

Transport conditions and duration are key animal welfare concerns despite legal compliance.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of Mexico’s swine movement network over a five-year period (2017–2021), using a network approach to examine the significant implications of pig movement on animal welfare and environmental impact. Swine-movement records used were obtained from the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA). In the period 2017–2021, 33.3 million pigs were transported each year, 87.29% of them for slaughter, 12.20% for fattening, 0.50% for breeding and 0.01% for fairs. The low density and centrality of the network resulted in high market concentration. Key states in the network were Jalisco for supply and the State of Mexico for demand, with high levels of market-information loss. The main animal welfare concern identified was associated with transport duration and conditions. Although the findings comply with current legislation on pig transport duration, future measures should target improvements in transport conditions, such as implementing resting periods and enhancing traceability.

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