Experts needed to help pig project

Calling all pig farmers, researchers and retailers – an eight-month project looking into practices around tail docking and indoor free farrowing needs you.

The RSPCA launched the Free Tails project, funded by the Tubney Charitable Trust*, in May to help farmers, researchers and retailers share information about current practice in:

 

• Non-confining free indoor farrowing
• Reducing tail docking without increasing cases of tail biting

The project aims to gather information relating to these two aspects of pig production and disseminate this knowledge to a wider audience, with the ultimate aim of improving pig welfare.

Some of those who provide information by filling in a short questionnaire will be able to take part in a workshop to discuss the issues, followed by a wider stakeholder networking seminar to share good practice.

A report will be produced at the end of project, which will be passed on to the Tubney Charitable Trust, in order help them identify where their support could best be targeted.

Workable steps

“We want to find out what is working in terms of practical steps to help sows give birth indoors in a situation that doesn’t compromise their physical or behavioural needs and is safe for their piglets, i.e. without farrowing crates."

“We also want to find out how to limit tail docking without increasing tail biting, again in terms of practical, commercially viable, workable steps,” said Kate Parkes, scientific officer for the RSPCA Farm Animal Science Department.

“Anybody who is a pig farmer, involved in scientific research, or a retailer of pork products can get involved in this project. The idea is to share information so that we can improve the welfare of pigs.”

Any new initiatives must be commercially viable and therefore the economic aspect is particularly of interest. For example, if a producer is able to stop tail docking and tail biting has not increased, this will result in cost savings in terms of the producers time. It would be useful to share this kind of information.

Anyone who would like to take part in the Free Tails project or would like further information should contact the RSPCA farm animals department on 0300 123 0183 or via email: farm_animals@rspca.org.uk