Latest news on pigs from the RSPCA
The RSPCA’s Farm Animal Department (FAD) – recognised experts in farm animal welfare – have been busy updating and clarifying various farm animal welfare standards. There’s always plenty happening, so here’s an update and reminders of the latest information from FAD.
Slat Widths for pig producers
A reminder for all pig producers that, if they use any slats, from 2013 all buildings (up to now it was just new buildings) they will need to comply with the slat dimensions listed in the EU pig directive. From 2003 the following legislation relating to slat width has applied to all holdings new, rebuilt or brought into use for the first time. From 1st January 2013 it applies to all holdings:
(1) Where concrete slatted floors are used for pigs kept in groups, the maximum width of the openings must be:
(a) 11 mm for piglets;
(b) 14 mm for weaners;
(c) 18 mm for rearing pigs; and
(d) 20 mm for gilts after service and sows.
(2) The minimum slat width must be:
(a) 50 mm for piglets and weaners; and
(b) 80 mm for rearing pigs, gilts after service and sows.
While the RSPCA standards require a solid lying area, part slatted systems are currently permitted. Therefore, those producers using concreted slatted floors need to ensure that they are compliant with this change in legislation from 2013. There are other requirements that apply to all buildings from 2013, but the standards ensure that Freedom Food producers will be compliant with legislation, with the possible exception of the following legislation which applies to group-housed dry sows:
The pen where the group is kept must have sides greater than 2.8 m in length, except when there are six or fewer individuals in the group, when the sides of the pen must be no less than 2.4 m in length. Freedom Food producers should ensure that are fully aware of the changes in legislation from 2013 and compliant.
Indoor free farrowing, can you help?
At the moment, there are very few Freedom Food producers who farrow indoors in non-confinement systems, the majority of Freedom Food breeding herds are outdoors. RSPCA standards have been recently amended to prohibit the use of farrowing crates and we are trying to get in contact with as many Freedom Food producers as possible who farrow indoors without crates to hear and see what they are doing. It's a really important way for us to get feedback on aspects that work well and would really help us to develop more specific standards in this area. As always, we try to ensure our standards are a balance between science and practice in the field.
New BPEX Health & Welfare Strategy
BPEX have recently launched their new health and welfare strategy – developed with input from the RSPCA Farm Animals Department - which sets out which areas are to be focussed on up to 2012 and how success will be measured: You can find out more online by clicking on this link: http://www.bpex.org.uk/downloads/301566/299810/2020%20Pig%20Health%20and%20Welfare.pdf
For more information on any of the FAD topics in this issue of Focus, please contact Scientific Officer Kate Parkes by email kate.parkes@rspca.org.uk