Changes could help to improve nation's food safety

Action to promote better treatment of farm animals in China started about five years ago, according to Sun Zhongchao, who has researched the subject for eight years and was the first Chinese expert to gain a doctorate in animal welfare studies.

Pigs, ducks, egg-laying hens and broiler chickens are all benefiting from the change of approach, he said.

Last year, during the World Congress on Farm Animal Welfare in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, the central government for the first time publically expressed support for the moves and stressed its determination to promote better conditions and treatment.