Pig welfare 101

Raising stress-free pigs makes business sense, as it results in better growth of animals and fewer problems caused by disease. Dr Peter Evans of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

- Glenneis Kriel

FAST FACTS

Pig and other livestock farmers need to supply their animals with enough clean water and balanced food rations.

Pigs require sufficient living space to allow for normal behaviour.

The use of climate-controlled pig houses helps to create a favourable production environment.

While growing concern over animal welfare is sparking changes in the way pigs are produced internationally, production costs remain a main driver of improved welfare on pig farms. Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison at the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), explains that livestock perform better when they’re in a healthy, stress-free environment.

“The cost of production is so high that farmers cannot afford to neglect their animals. They know that stressed pigs will be less resilient, more disease-prone, take longer to finish and be less productive than stress-free animals.”

For this reason, most pig producers in South Africa follow the SAPPO Code for the Welfare of Pigs, first published in 1993 and regularly reviewed to ensure its relevance.

The code is based on the Five Freedoms: animals should be free from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; free from discomfort; free from pain, injury and disease; free to express normal behaviour; and free from fear and distress. In addition, the code calls for stockmen to be well trained and empowered with knowledge to work with pigs in an appropriate way.

FOOD AND WATER