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Primary Industries Standing Committee
Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
Pigs Third Edition
PISC Report 92
PISC Report No. 92
PigsThird Edition
Model Code of Practicefor the Welfare of Animals
Primary Industries Standing Committee
PISC 92 Pages.indd 1 25/3/08 3:55:54 PM
© Commonwealth of Australia and each of its States and Territories 2008
All rights reserved. Except under the conditions described in the Australian Copyright Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, duplicating or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Contact CSIRO PUBLISHING for all permission requests.
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry
Primary Industries Standing Committee.Pigs.
3rd ed.ISBN 9780643094772 (pbk.).
1. Swine – Health – Standards – Australia. 2. Swine –Feeding and feeds – Australia. 3. Swine – Housing –Australia. 4. Swine – Breeding – Australia. 5. Swine –Handbooks, manuals, etc. 6. Animal welfare – Australia. I.Title. (Series : PISC report ; no. 92).
636.40832
Available from:CSIRO PUBLISHING 150 Oxford Street (PO Box 1139)Collingwood VIC 3066Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9662 7666Local call: 1300 788 000 (Australia only)Fax: +61 3 9662 7555Email: publishing.sales@csiro.auWeb site: www.publish.csiro.au
Front cover photo by iStockphoto
Set in 10/12 Adobe GaramondTypeset by James KellyCover design by James KellyPrinted in Australia by Metro Printing
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iiiPigs
Contents
Preface v
1 Introduction 1
2 Competenceofthestock-person 2
3 Foodandwater 3
3.1 Food 3
3.2 Water 4
4 Accommodation 5
4.1 Systems 5
4.2 Equipment 7
4.3 Environment 8
4.4 Protection 9
4.5 Waste control 10
4.6 Pigs kept outdoors 10
5 Husbandry 11
5.1 Inspections 11
5.2 Health 11
5.3 Farrowing and weaning 12
5.4 Boar management 12
5.5 Moving pigs 13
5.6 Elective husbandry procedures 13
6 Preparationfortransportandslaughter 16
7 Emergencyeuthanasia 17
8 Qualityassurancesystemsandrecordkeeping 18
Appendix1:Conditionscoringofpigs 19
Appendix2:Waterrequirementsforpigs 20
Appendix3:Spaceallowancesforpigs 21
Appendix4:Temperaturerecommendations 25
Appendix5:Methodsforemergencyeuthanasiaofpigs 26
Glossary 31
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iv Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
PrimaryindustriesministerialCounCil
InJune2001theAustralianCommonwealthandState/TerritorygovernmentscreatedseveralnewMinisterialCouncilsfromtheamalgamationandredirectionoftheworkofseveralexistingCouncils.
ThesechangessawthewindingupoftheAgricultureandResourceManagementCouncilofAustraliaandNewZealand(ARMCANZ)andtheestablishmentofanewCouncil,thePrimaryIndustriesMinisterialCouncil(PIMC).TheobjectiveofthisnewCouncilis:
‘To develop and promote sustainable, innovative and profitable agriculture, fisheries/aquaculture, food and forestry industries’.
MembershipoftheCouncilconsistsoftheAustralianFederal,State/TerritoryandNewZealandMinistersresponsibleforPrimaryIndustrymatters.
TheCouncilissupportedbyapermanentStandingCommittee,thePrimaryIndustriesStandingCommittee(PISC).MembershipoftheStandingCommitteecomprisesrelevantDepartmentalHeads/CEOsofCommonwealth/State/TerritoryandNewZealandagencies.
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vPigs
PrefaCe
ThisAustralianModelCodeofPracticefortheWelfareofAnimalshasbeenpreparedbytheAnimalWelfareWorkingGroup(AWWG)withinthePrimaryIndustriesMinisterialCouncil(PIMC)committeesystem.MembershipofAWWGcomprisesrepresentativesfromeachoftheStateandTerritoryDepartmentswithresponsibilityforagriculture,CSIRO,AnimalHealthAustralia,andtheDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandForestry–Australia.ExtensiveconsultationhastakenplacewithindustryandanimalwelfareorganisationsinthedevelopmentoftheCode.
TheCodeisintendedasasetofguidelineswhichprovidesdetailedminimumstandardsforassistingpeopleinunderstandingthestandardofcarerequiredtomeettheirobligationsunderthelawsthatoperateinAustralia’sStatesandTerritories.
ThisrevisededitionoftheCodeisbasedonthe1998edition,whichwasendorsedbytheStandingCommitteeonAgricultureandResourceManagement(SCARM).
ThefollowingmodelcodesofpracticehavebeenendorsedbyPIMC(anditspredecessors,ARMCANZandtheAustralianAgriculturalCouncil).
Buffalo, Farmed(1995)Camel, The(2ndEdition)(2006)Cattle(2ndEdition)(2004)Cattle, Land Transport of(2000)Deer, The Farming of(1991)Emus, Husbandry of Captive-Bred(2ndEdition)(2006)Feral Animals, Killing or capture, Handling and Marketing of(1991)Goat, The(1991)Horses, Land Transport of(1997)Livestock, Air Transport of(1986)Livestock, Rail Transport of(1983)Livestock, Road Transport of(1983)Livestock, Sea Transport of(1987)Ostriches, Farming of(2003)Pigs(3rdEdition)(2008)Pigs, Land Transport of(1998)Poultry, Domestic(4thEdition)(2002)Poultry, Land Transport of(2ndEdition)(2006)Rabbits, Intensive Husbandry of(1991)Sheep, The(2ndEdition)(2006)Saleyards, Animals at(1991)Slaughtering Establishments, Livestock at(2001)
andinconjunctionwiththeNationalHealthandMedicalResearchCouncil,CSIRO,theAustralianResearchCouncilandtheAustralianVice-Chancellors’Committeeithassupportedthe
Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes(7thEdition)(2004).
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1Pigs
1introduCtion
1.1 TheModel Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Pigs 3rdEdition (TheCode) isintendedasaguideforallpeopleresponsibleforthewelfareofpigsunderintensive,deeplitterandoutdoorsystems.Itrecognisesthatthebasicrequirementforthewelfareofpigsisahusbandrysystem,managedbytrainedandskilledstock-people.
Thebasicneedsofpigsare:
• Readilyaccessible,appropriateandsufficientfoodandwater;
• Adequatesheltertoprotectfromclimaticextremes;
• Opportunitytodisplayappropriatepatternsofbehaviour;
• Physicalhandlinginamannerwhichminimisesthelikelihoodofunreasonableorunnecessarypainordistress;
• Protectionfromand/orrapiddiagnosisandcorrecttreatmentofinjuryordisease;
• Freedomfornecessarymovementincludingtostand,stretchandliedown;
• Visualandsocialcontactwithotherpigs.
1.2 TheCodeisbasedontheknowledgeandtechnologyavailableatthetimeofpublicationandwillbeupdatedasknowledgeandtechnologyevolve.Whilstitoutlinesimportantaspectstobetakenintoaccountinensuringthewelfareofpigs,theneedforexperienceandcommonsenseinthehusbandryofanimalsisalsoemphasised.
1.3 TheStandardsinthisCodeformthebasisforanassessmentofcompliancewithgoodwelfare.TheCodemaybeusedasareferenceforauditorsandinspectorswhoaretrainedandcompetenttoexamineandjudgethewelfareofpigs.Informationprovidedundertheheadingsof‘Recommendedpractice’and‘Guidelines’isadvisoryonly.
1.4 Onemeasureofgoodwelfareinfarmedpigsisthattheyarecopingwiththeenvironmenttheyareplacedinandafarmcandemonstrategrowth,reproductiveperformance,diseaselevels,injuriesanddeathrateswithinindustrystandards.
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2 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
STANdARdS STANdARdS STANdARdS
2ComPetenCeofthestoCk-Person
2.1 Personsresponsiblefortheday-to-dayneedsofpigsmustensureanimalsundertheircontrolarecaredforinaccordancewiththeStandardsinthisCode.
2.2 PigsmustbecaredforbypersonnelwhoareskilledinpighusbandryandarecompetenttomaintainthehealthandwelfareoftheanimalsinaccordancewiththeStandardslistedinthisCode,orareunderthedirectsupervisionofsuchpersonnel.SuchcompetencymustbeabletobedemonstratedwithinthreeyearsofendorsementofthisCode.
Recommended practice
2.3 Personnelshouldbeappropriatelyinstructedonhowtheiractionsmayaffectapig’swelfare.
2.4 Personnelshouldundergoformaltrainingand/orbetrainedon-the-jobunderthesupervisionofexperiencedsupervisorswithinthefirstsixmonthsofemployment.Thereaftertrainingshouldbeconductedonaregularbasis.
Guideline
2.5 ThesuggestedlevelofskillfromtrainingandcompetencyforsupervisorsisatCertificateIIIinAgriculture–PigProduction,oranequivalentqualification.
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3Pigs
STANdARdS
3foodandwater
3.1 Food
3.1.1 Pigsmustbeprovidedwithdailyaccesstofeedthatmaintainstheirhealthandmeetstheirphysiologicalrequirements.
3.1.2 Astock-personresponsibleforpigsmusttakeremedialactionifpersistentbullyingisleadingtodeprivationfromfood.
3.1.3 Automaticfeedersmustbecheckeddaily.3.1.4 Weanersmustbeprovidedwithaccesstofeedatleasttwicedaily.3.1.5 Ifbodyconditionscoreofapigfallsbelow2(onascaleof1–5,seeAppendix1)action
mustbeundertakentoimprovebodycondition.Ifremedialactionfailstorecoverthemtoascoreabove2theymustbeculled.
Recommended practice
3.1.6 Automated feedingsystemsshouldallowanimalsaccess to feed inamanner thatminimisesintimidation,bullyingandaggressionfromotherpigs.
3.1.7 Foodprovidedshouldbefresh,palatableandfreeofknowngrosscontaminants,physicalortoxicsubstancesandmicro-organismsatlevelsthatareknowntocauseharm.
3.1.8 There shouldbecontingencies toprovideanalternativemeansofobtaininganddeliveringfeed,incaseofsupplyfailureordelaysindelivery.
3.1.9 Boarsandpregnantsowsshouldbegivensomebulkyorhighfibrefeedtosatisfyappetite.Thefeedprovidedfordrysowsneedstosatisfyappetitewithoutcausingthesowtobecomeover-fat.
Guidelines
3.1.10 Conditionscoringcanonlybeusedasaguidetoassessingtheadequacyofnutrition,healthand productivityforanimalwelfare.AguidetoconditionscoringofpigsisgiveninAppendix1.
• Conditionscoreofgrowerandfinisheranimalsandboarsshouldbe3orabove.
• Conditionscoreofbreedingsowsatfarrowingshouldbe3–3.5.
• Conditionscoreofbreedingsowsatweaningshouldbe2.5ormore.3.1.11 Toassessnutritionaladequacy,weightforagealongwithanassessmentofthegeneral
stateofhealtharemorereliableindicators,particularlyingrowingpigs.
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4 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
STANdARdS STANdARdS STANdARdS
3.2 WateR
3.2.1 Drinkingwateroranotherwholesomeliquidmustbeeasilyavailabletopigsatalltimestomeettheirphysiologicalwaterneeds.
3.2.2 Automaticwateringsystemsmustbecheckeddaily.3.2.3 Astock-personresponsibleforpigsmusttakeremedialactionifpersistentbullyingis
restrictingaccesstowater.
Recommended practice
3.2.4 Medicatedwatershouldonlybeusedoncompetentprofessionaladvice,asthereisariskthatoveruseormixingofmedications,orthemedicationitself,maycausetoxicinjurytothepigs.
3.2.5 Waterprovided shouldbepalatable,1 andat a temperature thatdoesnot inhibitdrinking.
3.2.6 Drinkerallocationperpenorgroup,drinkerdesign,positionandflowratesshouldbesuchthatwaterrequirementsofdifferentclassesofpigcanbemet.
Guidelines
3.2.7 Whenapiggeryisfirstestablished,oranewwatersourceobtained,thewatercanbetestedformineralcontentandmicrobiologicalcontamination,andadviceobtainedonitssuitabilityforpigsfromasuitablyqualifiedtestinglaboratoryand/orsuitablyqualifiedadviser.
3.2.8 Wherewholesomeliquidproductsaretobeusedasbothafoodandwatersource(e.g.whey),adviceshouldbeobtainedfromaqualifiedadviseronthesuitabilityoftheproductforthatpurpose.
3.2.9 The daily consumption of water by a pig will vary according to environmentaltemperature, feedingregime,diet ingredientsand live-weight.Providingdrinkingwateratatemperaturebelow20°Ccanassistinensuringadequateintakeduringhotconditions,wherethisispossible.Pigswilladapttodrinkingwarmwaterinhotclimates.ThetableinAppendix2showsthetypicaldailywaterrequirementsforvariousclassesofpig.
3.2.10 Disinfectionofdrinkingwatercanpreventintroductionofdiseases.Thisshouldbeundertakenonlyaccordingtotheinstructionsofaqualifiedadviser.
3.2.11 Somepigsmayconstantlybullyothersawayfromadrinkerpointanditissuggestedthatmoredrinkerspacesbeprovidedwherethisoccurs.
1 Reference:ANZECC&ARMCANZ(October2000).Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality.Paperno.4–Vol.2.ISBN0957824505
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5Pigs
STANdARdS
4aCCommodation
Constructionorredesignofhousingshouldbebasedonexpertadvice.Housingshouldmeetanimalwelfare,environmental,andoperatorhealthandsafetyrequirements.Pighousingandfacilitiesshouldbecross-checkedforcompliancewiththeStandardsofthisCode.
4.1 systems
Pigsarecurrentlyraisedundersystemsfallingintothreemaincategories:
• Indoor(includingsingleandgrouphousingonsolidorslattedfloors);
• Deeplitter(groupsondeeplitterinsheltersorsheds);
• Outdoor(freerangeinpaddockswithsheltersuchasarksorhuts).
4.1.1 Accommodationforpigsmustbedesigned,constructedandmanagedinsuchawaythatitprotectspigsfromadverseweather,injuriesorotherharm.
4.1.2 Accommodation forpigsmustprovideat least theminimumspace requirementsidentifiedasStandardsinAppendix3.
4.1.3 Sowsandboarsaccommodatedindividuallyinstallsmustbeabletostand,getupandliedownwithoutbeingobstructedbythebarsandfittingsofthestall,toliewithlimbsextended,tostretchandtobeabletofreelyundertakesuchmovements.
Specifically,inthecaseofsowsandboars: (a) Theymustbeabletostandupatrestinastallwithoutsimultaneouslytouching
bothsidesofthestall;(b) When they lie down in the stall, their snout and hindquarters must not
simultaneouslybetouchingtheendsofthestall;(c) Ifthestallhasbarsalongthetopthesemustnottouchtheirbackswhenstanding
atrestorwhentheyhavetheirheadsdownfeeding;(d) Theplacementofdrinkersand/orfeed/watertroughsinthestallmustbeeasily
accessibletothem,butmustnotpreventabilitytostand,stretchandliedown;(e) Whenlyingdown,anycontactwiththeirneighboursinstallsoneithersidemust
notresultininjury.
4.1.4 Stallsandfarrowingcratesmustbedesignedandconstructedtominimiseaggressionbetweenpigsandoverlyingofpigletsbysows.
4.1.5 From10yearsafterendorsementoftheCodeasowmustnotbeconfinedinastallformorethansixweeksofanygestationperiod.Anexceptionisforindividualsowsthatareunderveterinaryadviceorspecialcarebyacompetentstock-person.
4.1.6 Facilitiesforlactatingsowsmustallowthemto:(a) Standandliedownwithoutobstructionbythebarsorfittingsofthecrate;(b) Givebirthtopigletswithoutobstruction,andminimiselossesofpigletsfrom
crushing,trappingorinjuries;(c) Sucklepigletssothatbothsidesoftheudderareaccessible;(d) Accessfeedandwaterwithoutobstruction.
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6 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
4.1.7 Sowsconfinedinfarrowingcratesmustnotbeconfinedintheseformorethansixweeksinanyonereproductivecycle,exceptinanemergency,e.g.whereasowisrequiredtofosterasecondlitterafterherownpigletsareweaned.Insuchanexceptionalsituationthestock-personmustprovideadditionalcaretothesow.
4.1.8 Whereboarsarekeptconstantlyinstallstheymustbereleasedforuseformatingorexercisedatleasttwiceperweek.
4.1.9 Tethersmustnotbeusedtorestrainpigs.4.1.10 Boarsruningroupsmustbemonitoreddailyandmanagedtoensurethatsubordinate
boarsarenotseriouslyinjuredorsubjectedtopersistentaggressionbyotherboars.
Recommended practice
4.1.11 Pigsgroupedinpensrequiresufficientspaceforeachtosleep,defecateandaccessfeedandwater.
4.1.12 Incombinationstall–groupsystemsfordrysowsorgilts,bullyinganddeprivationoffoodcanbeaproblemandthisshouldbemonitoredandmanagedbythestock-person.
4.1.13 Whereindividualquartersareprovidedfordrysowsandgiltsthepartitionsshouldpreventinjuryfromaggressivebehaviourwhilestillenablingthemtoseeeachother.Barsofstallpartitionsshouldbeverticalratherthanhorizontal.
Guidelines
4.1.14 Aggressionproblemscanoccuringrouphousingaccommodation.Thismaybemanagedbyadoptingsomeorallofthefollowingmeasuresundertheadviceofqualifiedadvisers.Carefulmonitoringisrequiredtoensurethataggressionisnotmadeworseormerelypostponed.
• Cullingofover-aggressivelinesofpigs;
• Draftingoutofsubordinatesows;
• Gradingforsizeevenness;
• Keepinggroupsstable;
• Providingenvironmentalenrichment(e.g.provisionofstrawornovelobjectstomanipulate);
• Provisionofescapeareasforbulliedsows(e.g.partitions,feedingstalls);
• Provisionofmoredrinkingpoints;
• Feedingsystemsthatminimisecompetitionbetweenpigsforfeedatfeedingtimes(e.g.tricklefeeding,individualfeedingstallsforsows);
• Optimisingpensize,shapeanddesign,andgroupnumbers;
• Minimisingthemixingofunfamiliarpigs;
• Castrationorimmuno-castrationofmales;
• Adoptionof alternative accommodation systems (e.g. outdoormanagementsystems,familypensystems);
• Providingfreeaccesstofeedprovidedthatover-fatnesscanbecontrolledorfreeaccesstofeedatthetimeoffirstmixing.
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7Pigs
STANdARdS
Mixingofpigs,especiallyadultsowsandboars,isamajorcauseofaggressioningroup housing.Thismaybereducedatthetimeofmixingby:
• Introducingneworre-enteringsowsingroupsoffiveormoretolargergroupsofsowsratherthanindividually;
• Groupingafterdark;
• Usingmaskingodoursonallpigsinthegroup.
4.1.15 Floorsshouldbeinstalledandmaintainedinawaythatminimisesslippingandtheriskofinjuryandallowspigstostandnormally.
4.1.16 Solidsurfacesthatpigshaveaccesstoshouldbemadeofmaterialsthatcanbereadilycleanedanddisinfected.
4.1.17 Indeeplittersystems,littershouldbereplacedorrefreshedatintervalsthatensuregoodhygiene,provideforcomfortneedsandavoidcompromisetowelfarefromscaldingandlameness.
4.1.18 Theprovisionofstraworothersuitablematerialstopermitforagingbehaviourandprovidephysicalandthermalcomfortwhenlyingdownisencouraged,providedthatthisiscompatiblewithdrainage,hygienerequirementsandclimaticconditions.
4.1.19 Boarscanbekeptincompatiblegroupstopermitregularexercise.Theycanalsobekeptwithgroupsofgiltsorsowsprovidedthatpersistentbullyingorexcessiveunwantedmountingbehavioursdonotoccur.
4.2 equipment
4.2.1 Mechanicalequipmentessentialtoprovidethebasicfeed,waterandenvironmentalneedsofpigsmustbeinspecteddailyandmaintainedingoodworkingorder.
4.2.2 Equipmenttowhichpigshaveaccessmustbedesignedandmaintainedtominimiseriskofinjurytothepigs.
4.2.3 Ariskmanagement systemmustbe inplace incaseofbreakdownofmechanicalequipmentordelayindeliveryforalternativewaysofprovidingfeedandwater,andtoprovideenvironmentalneeds.
4.2.4 Shedswithautomaticallycontrolledforced-ventilationenvironmentalsystems(i.e.shuttersorfanscontrolledbytemperaturesensors)musthavefail-safebackupsthatenableshedstobeventilatedifpowerfailureislikelytothreatenthehealthandwelfareofpigs.
4.2.5 Naturallyventilatedshedsthatrelyonautomaticequipmentmustbeinspectedatleasttwicedailyorhaveafail-safeback-upsystemand/oranalarmsystemthatwillwarnofpowerormechanicalfailure.
4.2.6 Electrical installationsatmainsvoltagemustbe inaccessible topigsandproperlyearthed.
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8 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
STANdARdS
Recommended practice
4.2.7 Staffskilledinthecorrectoperationofsystems(includingback-upsystems)thathaveahighdegreeofcontrolovertheenvironment,includingautomatedormechanicalfeeddeliverysystems,shouldbeavailabletooperatesuchsystems.
4.3 enviRonment
4.3.1 Stock-personsmustuselightingthatenablesinspectionofallpigs.4.3.2 Ventilationmustpreventaccumulationofharmfulconcentrationsofgases.4.3.3 Actionmustbetakentodetectandcoolheat-distressedpigs.
Recommended practice
4.3.4 Equipmenttoroutinelymeasureandrecordmaximumandminimumairtemperaturesatpiglevelshouldbeavailableinallsheds.
4.3.5 Sucklingpigletsthatareunderthreeweeksofageandweanersshouldbeprovidedwithbedding,insulationorsupplementaryheatingthatprotectsagainstcold.OptimumcomfortrangesareoutlinedinAppendix4.
4.3.6 Duringveryhotweather(35°Cormore)adultpigsareverysusceptibletoheatstress,andstepsshouldbetakentoalleviatedistressandavoiddeaths.Pigsmaydieifloadedfortransportationinveryhotconditions.2
4.3.7 At temperaturesabove38°Cstock-persons should inspect lactatingandgestatingsowsregularlyforsignsofheatstrokeandcoolanyanimalthatisaffected,e.g.waterapplicationfollowedbyincreasingairflow,provisionoficeblocksasalickand,subjecttoenvironmentalrequirements,provisionofaccesstowallowsormistspraysforoutdoorpigs.
4.3.8 Inindoorsystems,abrupttemperaturefluctuationsofgreaterthan10°Cduringthedayshouldinitiatemonitoringforadverseeffectsonpigsthatmayrequiremanipulationofheatingorwatercoolingandairmovement,toassistpigstocopeorbeattheiroptimumtemperaturerange.
Guidelines
4.3.9 Naturalorartificiallightofatleast20luxissuggestedtobemadeavailableatpiglevelinallbuildingsforaminimumofninehoursdaily.
2 RefertoModel Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of Pigs.(1998).SCARMReport63,section3.1.
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9Pigs
STANdARdS
4.3.10 Incompletelyenclosedhouses,thelevelofairexchangesshouldprovidefreshairforrespiration,removeexcessheatandwastegases,andminimisetheeffectsofdustandexcessmoistureforpigandhumanhealth.
Table 1. Guidelines for safe levels of common pollutants for pigs
Pollutant Maximum recommended levelAmmonia 11 ppmCarbon dioxide 1500 ppmCarbon monoxide 30 ppmHydrogen sulphide 5 ppmInhalable particles 0.23 mg/m3
4.3.11 Operators are encouraged tohave systems inplace tomeasure concentrationsofammoniainenclosedhouses.Monitoringistobefocusedonareasofleastventilation.
4.3.12 Efficientventilationisparticularlyimportantwheneffluentisheldinstorageunderslattedfloors.
4.3.13 GuidelinesonmanagingtemperaturerequirementsforpigsareprovidedinAppendix4ofthisCode.
4.4 pRotection
4.4.1 Allbuildingsmusthave firepreventionmeasures inplace inaccordancewiththerequirementsofthecontrollingauthority.
4.4.2 Approvedfire-fightingequipmentmustbeavailabletoserviceallpigaccommodationwithstaff trained in itsuse. In largeshelters thataredifficult toservicewith fireequipmentandwherethepigsareinonespace,theremustbegatestoopentoallowpigstoescape.
4.4.3 Preventativemeasuresmustbeimplementedforprotectionofpigsfrompredators.
Recommended practice
4.4.4 Annualinspectionofelectricalsystemsbyaqualifiedpersonshouldbeconducted.4.4.5 Fire alarms shouldbe situatedonallhousingunits andbe regularly checked for
function.4.4.6 Whenplanningnewbuildings,considerationshouldbegiventotheuseofconstruction
materialswithahighfireresistance,andallelectricalandfuelinstallationsshouldbeplannedandfittedsoastominimisetheriskoffire.
4.4.7 Pighousingshouldbelocatedandmanagedtobesafefromtheeffectsoffiresandfloods.
4.4.8 Firebreaksshouldbeestablishedaroundpastureforopen-rangesystemsandpigshedswheretheriskoffireishigh.
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10 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
STANdARdS
STANdARdS
Guideline
4.4.9 Thereshouldbeasufficientnumberofexitstofacilitaterapidevacuationofpersonnelandorderlyevacuationofpigswherethisispracticable,safeforpersonnelandtimepermits.
4.5 Waste contRol
4.5.1 Faecesandurinemustnotbepermittedtoaccumulatetothestagewherethereisnocleanareaforpigstoliedown.
4.6 piGs kept outdooRs
4.6.1 Accesstosheltersincoldweatherandshadeinhotweathermustbeprovidedtoalloutdoorpigs.
4.6.2 Feedandwateringpointsmustbeprovidedsothatallpigscangainaccessandobtaintheirdailyphysiologicalrequirements.
4.6.3 Pigsmustnotberaisedonlandthatiscontaminatedwithtoxins,chemicalresidues,toxicplantsordisease-causingorganismsatlevelsthatareknowntocauseharm.
Recommended practice
4.6.4 Spaceallowances for sheltersandgrazing shouldbeprovided inaccordancewithAppendix3.
4.6.5 Hutsforfarrowingandrearingshouldprovideprotectionforpigsfromtheelementsandprovideanenvironmentwherepigsareabletomanagetheirthermalcomfort.
4.6.6 Inregionswithhighsummertemperatures,riskmitigationmeasuresshouldbeputinplacetoreducetheriskofheatstress.Thismayincludetheprovisionofshade,ventilationand,subjecttoenvironmentalconsiderations,wallowsandwatersprinklers.
4.6.7 Considerationshouldbegiventomethodsofreducingthebuild-uporeffectofdiseasepathogensbytheuseofherdhealthprogramsthatincludevaccination,parasitecontrolandregularpasturerotationandspelling.
Guidelines
4.6.8 Commercialbreedsofpigsdevelopedforintensivesystemsmaynotbesuitableforalloutdoorconditions.Considerationmightbemadetousebreedsthataremoresuited,suchasLargeBlack,Tamworth,WessexSaddlebackandBerkshirebreedsorhybridsofsuchbreeds.
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11Pigs
STANdARdS
STANdARdS
5husbandry
5.1 inspections
5.1.1 Pigsmustbeinspectedatleastonceeachdaybyacompetentstock-person.
Recommended practice
5.1.2 Personnelshouldbeprovidedwithadequatetimefortheinspectionofpigsandthecheckingofequipment.
5.1.3 Personnelinchargeofpigsshouldbeabletorecogniseearlysignsofdistressordiseasesothatpromptactionistakenoradvicesought.
5.1.4 More frequentand thorough inspections shouldbeundertakenwhen there is anincreasedrisktowelfare,forexampleduringhotweather,outbreaksofdisease,wherebehaviouralvicesareoccurring,whenfarrowingisexpectedorwhengroupsofpigshavebeenrecentlymixed.
5.1.5 Whenpigsarehousedinlargegroupswhereitisdifficulttovisualiseallindividuals,inspectionshouldbeundertakenwhilstmovingamongthelivestock.
5.2 HealtH
5.2.1 Personsresponsibleforthecareofpigsmustbecompetenttorecognisethesignsofillhealthinpigs,includingbehaviouralanomalies,andmusttakeappropriateactionwhenanysuchsignsareobservedinpigsundertheircare.
5.2.2 Weaningmustbemanagedtominimiseanynegativeimpactonthehealthandwelfareofthesowandpiglets.
5.2.3 Deadpigsmustberemovedassoonaspracticable.5.2.4 Sick,weakorinjuredpigsmustbetreatedandifnecessaryisolated.5.2.5 Pigs with incurable sickness, injury or painful deformity must be humanely
euthanased.5.2.6 Animalsincapableofmovingmustbeeuthanasedonlocation.5.2.7 Pigproducersmusthaveaherdhealthprograminplacetomanagetheriskofdisease.5.2.8 Ifthepersoninchargeisnotabletoidentifythecausesofillhealthandcorrectthem,
theymustseekadvicefromthosewithtrainingandexperienceinsuchmatters.5.2.9 Vaccinationsandotherhealthtreatmentsmustbeadministeredtopigsonlybypersons
competentinsuchproceduresorbypersonsunderthedirectsupervisionofapersonexperiencedinconductingtheprocedure.
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12 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
STANdARdS
Recommended practice
5.2.10 Recordsofsickanimals,deaths,treatmentgivenandresponsetotreatmentshouldbemaintainedtoassistdiseaseinvestigations.
5.2.11 Behaviouralvicessuchaspersistentear,flankortailbitingshouldbeinvestigatedwiththeassistanceofasuitablyqualifiedadvisertoidentifythepossibleenvironment,feed,managementorhealthfactorscausingtheproblem.
Guidelines
5.2.12 The recommendedmethodsof emergencyhumane slaughter foron-farmusearedescribedinAppendix5.
5.2.13 Signsofillhealthinpigsmayincludeseparationfromotherpigs,lethargy,refusaltoeat,reducedproductionorfertility,changesintheconsistencyoffaeces,vomiting,skindiscolouration,shivering,sneezing,coughing,panting,lameness,swellingsonthebodyorjointsandabnormalbehaviour.
5.2.14 Methodsofcarcasedisposalcanincludeincineration,compostingordeepburial,subjecttotheapprovaloftherelevantauthorities.
5.3 FaRRoWinG and WeaninG
5.3.1 Allpigletsmustbecheckedwithin24hoursofbirthtoseethattheyarefeeding,toensurethatthepigletshavehadtheopportunitytoreceivecolostrum,orareprovidedwithanappropriatesubstitute.
5.3.2 Ifasowdiespriortoweaningorpigletsarereceivinginadequatenutrition,thepigletsmustbefostered,weaned,handrearedoreuthanased.
Recommended practice
5.3.3 Sowsshouldbeplacedinfarrowingquartersbeforethelitterisdue,toallowthemtobecomeaccustomedtotheirsurroundings.
Guidelines
5.3.4 Forweaningofpigsunderthreeweeksofage,managementandnutritionneedtobeofaveryhighstandardtopreventpigletmortalityandill-thrift.
5.4 BoaR manaGement
Recommended practice
5.4.1 Aggressiveadultboarsshouldbehousedindividuallytopreventinjuryfromfightingorbekeptincompatiblegroups.
5.4.2 Theflooroftheserviceareashouldbewellmaintainedandnotslippery.5.4.3 Matingsshouldbeconductedunderthesupervisionofacompetentstock-personto
preventaggressivebehavioursandinjurytoboars,sowsorgilts.
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13Pigs
StandardS
StandardS
General information
5.4.4 Boarsmayneedtobekeptinstallsorindividualpenstopreventpersistentaggressiontootherboars.
5.4.5 Boarsthatareraisedtogetherarelesslikelytofightoneanotherandmaybecompatibleinpairsorsmallgroups.
5.4.6 Housingsystemsthatprovideboarswithmorefreedomofmovementthanconventionalstallsareencouragedforuse,providedthatsuchsystemsareconsistentwithmanagementofboarhygieneandoperatorhealthandsafetyrequirements.
5.5 MovinG piGs
5.5.1 Dogs,electricproddersandhittingwithsolidobjectsmustnotbeusedtomovepigs.3
Recommended practice
5.5.2 Pigsshouldbemovedquietly,ideallybyusingabackingboardorothernon-injuriousobjects,byskilledstock-persons.
5.5.3 Designofpighousingandloadingfacilitiesshouldbebasedonexpertadvice,tofacilitateeaseofpigmovementandminimisestressonanimals.
5.6 ElEctivE husbandRy pRocEduREs
introduction
Theproceduresdescribedinthissectionmaybecarriedoutwherenecessary.Alternativeoptionsthatminimiseoralleviatepainfromelectivehusbandryprocedures,ortheavoidanceoftheiruse,shouldbeadoptedwherepossible.
5.6.1 Stock-personsmustnot carry out electivehusbandryproceduresunless they arecompetenttoundertakethemorareunderthedirectsupervisionofapersonexperiencedinconductingtheprocedureinaccordancewiththisCode.
5.6.2 Surgicalcastrationofmalepigsolderthan21daysorsurgicalproceduresthatrenderamalepigover21daysofagesterilemustbeperformedunderanaesthesiaandbyaveterinarypractitioner.
3 RefertoModel Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of Pigs.(1998).SCARMReport63,section5.7.2,whichhasspecificprovisionsonlimiteduseofproddersforloadingandunloadingofpigs.NoteSection2.2whichstatesthatownershipofthepigrestswiththeowneruntilthepigisloaded.
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14 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
Recommended practice
5.6.3 Strictattentionshouldbepaidto:
• Suitabilityoftheareainwhichtheprocedureistobeperformed;
• Thecatchingandrestrainingfacilities;
• Minimisethedurationandamountofrestraint,painanddistress;
• Appropriateselectionandmaintenanceofinstruments;
• Maintenanceofgoodhygiene,particularlyofhypodermicsyringes,scalpelsandneedlesandofthesiteofinjections;
• Provisionofafter-carefortheanimals.5.6.4 Restraintusedonpigsshouldbetheminimumnecessarytosafelyandquicklycomplete
theprocedure.
Castration
5.6.5 If surgical castration is considered necessary in order for market and consumerrequirementstobemet,itshouldbeperformedbyatrainedandcompetentoperator.
5.6.6 Surgicalcastrationrequiresuseofasterilesharpimplementsuchasaknifeorsurgicalscalpel,withtheanimaladequatelyrestrained.Goodpost-operativedrainageofthesurgicalwoundisessential.
5.6.7 It is recommendedthatpigletsbecastratedafter twodaysofage,after theyhaveestablishedtheirsucklingorder,andbeforesevendaysofage.Whenpigs8–21daysofagearecastrated,appropriateandeffectiverestraintisnecessary.
Tail docking
5.6.8 Taildockingshouldbeavoidedwhereverpossible.
5.6.9 Wheretailbitingisaproblem,allaspectsoftheenvironment,feedingandmanagementshouldbeinvestigatedtoidentifythecontributingfactorssothatremedialactioncanbetaken,e.g.environmentalenrichmentwithstraworothermaterialsthatcanbemanipulated.
5.6.10 Wheretaildockingispractisedasapreventativemeasure,itshouldbecarriedoutbeforepigsaresevendaysofage.
Clipping of ‘needle’ teeth
5.6.11 Qualifiedadviceshouldbesoughttodetermineifteeth-clippingisnecessary.Thisprocedureshouldnotberoutinelyrequired.
5.6.12 Ifaggressionbetweenlittermatesordamagetothesowareaproblem,thisprocedureshould be carried out within three days of birth. It should only be done whereunacceptableinjuryisoccurringtolittermatesandthesow’sudder.
5.6.13 Onlythetips(nomorethanaquarter)oftheteethshouldberemoved.
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15Pigs
Nose ringing
5.6.14 Noseringingshouldbeavoided.However,thisproceduremayneedtobeperformedasalastresort,topreventadverseeffectstotheenvironment,ifpigsarekeptonpasture.
5.6.15 Noseringsshouldbeplacedthroughthecartilageofthetopofthesnoutorthetissuesseparatingthenostrils.
5.6.16 Provisionofadequatesubstrateorpastureforchewingcanprovideforexploratoryorforagingbehaviouranddeterpigsfromrootingupgroundexcessively.
Identification
5.6.17 Whereitisnecessarytomarkpigsforpermanentidentification,theearmaybetattooed,tagged,notchedorpunched,orthebodymaybetattooedoramicro-chipimplanted.
5.6.18 Earnotchingshouldbeavoidedwherepossible.Whereearnotchingisperformed,itshouldbecarriedoutbeforethepigletsaresevendaysofage.
Back-fat measurement and pregnancy diagnosis
5.6.19 Therecommendedmethodforpregnancytestingandback-fatmeasurementiswiththeuseofultrasonicorothernon-invasiveequipment.
Tusk trimming
5.6.20 Tusktrimmingofboarsisnecessarywhereinjurytohumansoranimalsislikelytooccur.
5.6.21 Tusktrimmingshouldbeconductedusingembryotomywire.5.6.22 Theboarshouldbeappropriatelyrestrainedand,ifnecessary,anaesthetisedforrestraint.
Analgesiaisnotrequiredasthetusklackssensorynerves.5.6.23 Tusksshouldbeseveredcleanlyabovethelevelofthegumswithoutcausingdamageto
othertissues.
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16 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
6PreParationfortransPortandslaughter
PigsshouldbepreparedandtransportedinaccordancewiththerelevantState/Territorylegislationandcodesofpracticerelatingtopigtransport.
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17Pigs
STANdARdS
7emergenCyeuthanasia
introduction
PrevioussectionsofthisCodehavedrawnattentiontothosecircumstanceswhen,forhumanereasons,pigsmayneedtobeeuthanased,e.g.ifsufferinginjuryordisease.
7.1 Themethodofeuthanasiamustcauseasuddenunconsciousnesswithdeathoccurringwhenunconscious.
7.2 Acompetentpersonwhoissuitablytrainedistoperformtheeuthanasia.
Recommended practice
7.3 Theanimalshouldbequietlyhandledbeforehandtoensureitisnotunnecessarilydistressedoralarmed.
7.4 Themethodssuitableforon-farmeuthanasiaaredetailedinAppendix5.
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18 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
8QualityassuranCesystemsandreCordkeePing
Recommended practice
8.1 Itisstronglyrecommendedthatallpigfarmsbepartofanappropriateindustryapprovedqualityassuranceprogramthatincludesanimalwelfare.
8.2 Themaintenanceofgoodrecordsisanintegralpartofaqualityassurancesystemandgoodfarmmanagement.Accuraterecordsshouldbekeptonthecasehistoryandtreatmentofanydiseasedorinjuredpigs.Accurateidentificationofanimalsisessential.
Guidelines
8.3 Managementandmonitoringofanimalwelfarecanbeaidedbytheimplementationofanauditedon-farmqualityassurancesystemthatincludestheStandardsofthisCode.
8.4 Qualityassurancesystemsprovidearecordofwelfare,healthandproductivitydataaswellasdocumentedevidenceofcriticalmanagementprocedures,stafftraininganddetailsofcorrectiveactionsforadverseevents.
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19Pigs
aPPendix1:ConditionsCoringofPigs
Numerical score
Pelvic bones, tail head
Loin Vertebrae Ribs
1 Pelvic bones very prominent. Deep cavity around the tail head.
Loin very narrow. Sharp edges on transverse spinal processes. Flank very hollow.
Prominent and sharp throughout the length of the backbone.
Individual ribs very prominent.
2 Pelvic bones obvious but some slight cover. Cavity around tail head.
Loin narrow. Only very slight cover to edge of transverse spinal processes. Flank rather hollow.
Prominent. Rib cage less apparent. Difficult to see individual ribs.
3 Pelvic bones covered.
Edge of transverse spinal processes covered and rounded.
Visible over the shoulder. Some cover further back.
Covered but can be felt.
4 Pelvic bones only felt with firm pressure. No cavity around tail.
Edge of transverse spinal processes felt only with firm pressure.
Felt only with firm pressure.
Rib cage not visible. Very difficult to feel any ribs.
5 Pelvic bones impossible to feel. Root of tail set deep in surrounding fat.
Impossible to feel bones. Flank full and rounded.
Impossible to feel vertebrae.
Not possible to feel ribs.
Careshouldbetakenwhenassessingbodyfatandback-fatcoverasthesecanbelessinpigsthatareselectedforcertainconformationandfatcoverinspecificlocations.
Table 2. Guidelines for body condition score of pigs
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20 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
aPPendix2:waterreQuirementsforPigs
Forplanningpurposesthefollowingconsumptionestimatesareprovidedfornormalambienttemperatures(i.e.10°C–25°C).
Table 3. Average water consumption (litres per day)
Boar or dry sow 12–15
Sow and litter 25–45
Grower pig: 25 kg 45 kg 65 kg90 kg
3–5 5–7 7–99–12
Flowrateswillvarydependingonthenumberofdrinkingpointsandcareshouldbetakentoensureadequatepumpcapacityandsupplytomaintainflow.
Table 4. Recommended water flow rates and maximum water pressures
Class Flow rate (litres/minute)
Maximum pressure (kPa)
Weaners 0.5 85–105
Growers/finishers 1.0 140–175
Dry sow 1.0 No limit*
Lactating sow 2.0 No limit*
*Careshouldbemadenottohaveexcessivepressureaswaterwastagecanoccur.
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21Pigs
aPPendix3:sPaCeallowanCesforPigs
introduction
Adequatespaceallowancesrequireaconsiderationofgroupsize,pensize,age,breed,temperature,ventilationandlighting.
ThefollowingtablesofStandardsforspaceallowancesthatmustbeprovidedforpigshousedindoorsarebasedoncurrentscientificknowledgeandgoodpractice.Alldimensionsandmeasuresrefertotheclearspaceprovidedforpigsinsideofrailsorpartitions.
Penfixturessuchasfeedersandwatererscanbeincludedinthisspaceforstallsandcratesaslongastheydonotimpedemovementorcauseinjury.
ThespaceallowancesStandardsforpigshousedindoorsoutlinedbelowaretobeconsideredbindingonallfacilitiesfromfiveyearsafterendorsementofthisCode,exceptwhereotherwisespecificallystated.
1. Standards for growing pigs (weaners, growers, finishers)
Theminimumavailablefloorareaforweaners,growersandfinishersiscalculatedasm2perpig=0.030xbodyweight0.67(seefootnotereference4).Thisformulaappliestoindoorpensofallflooringtypes.Wherethereisarangeofweightsinagroup,theminimumisbasedontheaverageweightofpigsinthegroup.
Table 5. Minimum space requirement (m2 per pig) for weaners, growers and finishers
LW(kg)* m2 LW(kg) m2 LW(kg) m2 LW(kg) m2
1 0.03 31 0.30 61 0.47 91 0.62
2 0.05 32 0.31 62 0.48 92 0.62
3 0.06 33 0.31 63 0.48 93 0.63
4 0.08 34 0.32 64 0.49 94 0.63
5 0.09 35 0.32 65 0.49 95 0.63
6 0.10 36 0.33 66 0.50 96 0.64
7 0.11 37 0.34 67 0.50 97 0.64
8 0.12 38 0.34 68 0.51 98 0.65
9 0.13 39 0.35 69 0.51 99 0.65
10 0.14 40 0.36 70 0.52 100 0.66
11 0.15 41 0.36 71 0.52 101 0.66
12 0.16 42 0.37 72 0.53 102 0.67
13 0.17 43 0.37 73 0.53 103 0.67
4 SpoolderHAM,EdwardsSA,CorningS(2000).Livestock Production Science64:167–173.
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22 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
14 0.18 44 0.38 74 0.54 104 0.67
15 0.18 45 0.38 75 0.54 105 0.68
16 0.19 46 0.39 76 0.55 106 0.68
17 0.20 47 0.40 77 0.55 107 0.69
18 0.21 48 0.40 78 0.56 108 0.69
19 0.22 49 0.41 79 0.56 109 0.70
20 0.22 50 0.41 80 0.57 110 0.70
21 0.23 51 0.42 81 0.57 111 0.70
22 0.24 52 0.42 82 0.57 112 0.71
23 0.25 53 0.43 83 0.58 113 0.71
24 0.25 54 0.43 84 0.58 114 0.72
25 0.26 55 0.44 85 0.59 115 0.72
26 0.27 56 0.45 86 0.59 116 0.72
27 0.27 57 0.45 87 0.60 117 0.73
28 0.28 58 0.46 88 0.60 118 0.73
29 0.29 59 0.46 89 0.61 119 0.74
30 0.29 60 0.47 90 0.61 120 0.74
Recommended practice
Pigshousedformorethanonetotwoweeksindeeplittersystemsshouldbeprovidedwithatleast30%morespaceperpigthantheStandardslistedforgrouphousingwithotherflooringandwastemanagementsystems.Thisisrequiredtoassistwithlittermanagement.
Table 5 continued
*LW=live-weight
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23Pigs
2. Standards for breeding gilts, sows and boars housed indoors
Table 6. Minimum space requirements for adult pigs
Class Minimum space allowance per adult
Gilts in group housing (mated or selected for breeding and >100 kg LW)
1 m2
Sows in group housing 1.4 m2
Adult pigs in individual stalls• All new installations
Sows Boars
• All stalls, including those installed prior to endorsement of this Code
0.6 m x 2.2 m 0.7 m x 2.4 m Must provide the outcome-based Standards of Section 4.
Boars in individual pens (living space only) 6.0 m2
Sows in farrowing cratesNew farrowing crate installations: • Crate dimensions • Farrowing crate and creep area
------------------------------------------------------------• All farrowing crates, including those installed
prior to endorsement of this Code
0.5 m x 2 m 3.2 m2
• The minimum length must be 2 metres. This is the internal measurement, inclusive of feed and water facilities and a rear anti-crush rail placed where required.
• The minimum width of 500 mm is to be taken at not more than 450 mm above the floor level.
• Where crates installed prior to this Code are smaller than this, they must only be used for smaller sows to achieve the Standards of Section 4. ---------------------------------------------
• Must provide the outcome-based Standards of Section 4.
Farrowing pen 5.6 m2 per sow
Recommended practice
Sows,whenhousedingrouppenswithagroupsizeoflessthan10sows,mayneedagreaterspaceallowancethanthestatedminimumifpersistentbullyingandaggressionoccurs.
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24 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
3. Recommended practice for outdoor pigs
3.1 space allowances for outdoor systems
Table 7. Maximum stocking rate recommendations in paddocks
Dry sows 20–25 sows/ha
Lactating sows with piglets 9–14 sows/ha
Feedingfacilitiesareincludedinthisallowance.
Guidelines
Thefollowinginformationiscommonpractice:
Sowskeptingroups 300–400m2persow
Sowskeptinindividualpaddocks 400–500m2persow
3.2 space allowances for shelter accommodation
Table 8. Minimum space allowance recommendation for shelter accommodation
Dry sows in groups 1.2–1.5 m2/sow
Lactating sows with piglets 4–6 m2/sow
Boars 2 m2/boar
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25Pigs
aPPendix4:temPeraturereCommendations
Pigs,excepttheveryyoung,areabletotolerateawiderangeoftemperatureswithoutdetrimenttotheirwelfare,providedabrupttemperaturechangesdonotoccur.
Observationofapig’sbehaviourbyacompetentstock-personisthemostreliablemethodtoassessthermalcomfort.
Whenpigsaretoocoldtheywillhuddleandchangepositiontoconserveheat.Theywillincreasetheirfeedintake.
Whenpigsgettoohottheywillbegintopantinanefforttocooldownandreducetheirfoodintake.
Thereareanumberofwaystomanagethermalcomfortforpigs,e.g.coolingfromincreasedairmovement,watersprays,insulation,beddingandsupplementaryheating.
Table 9. Ranges of temperature that provide optimum comfort for different classes of pigs at pig level
Piglets – newborn 27–35°C
Piglets – three weeks of age 24–30°C
Farrowing house 16–22°C
Weaners 20–30°C in first week
Growers 15–30°C
Finishers 15–30°C
Sows and boars 15–30°C
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26 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
aPPendix5:methodsforemergenCyeuthanasiaofPigs
introduction
Euthanasiaisdefinedascausingasuddenunconsciousnesswithdeathoccurringwhenunconsciousandwithoutdistress,pain,fearoranxiety.
Keypointstoconsiderabouteuthanasiainclude:
• Humansafety–staffmustbetrainedtoavoidpossibleinjurytothemselvesorothers;
• Pigwelfare–themethodmustminimisepainanddistresstothepigandotherpigs;
• Practicality–themethodmustbeaffordable,easytolearnandrepeatable;
• Suitability–themethodmustbesuitedtothesizeofthepig;
• Location–theproceduremustbedoneinasafe,quietandprivatelocation.
Theeuthanasiaprocesscanbedividedintothreestages.First,thepigisphysicallyrestrainedinawaythatminimisespainanddistress.Thismayincludeplacingtheanimal,ifsmall,intothecontainerinwhichitwillbekilled.Largeranimalsmayberestrainedusingaropesnareorplacedinaracetorestricttheanimal’smovements.Itisthenkilledinaquickandpainlessway.Finally,thepigischeckedtoensureitisdead.
methods of euthanasia
Therearevariousmethodsofeuthanasia,describedbelow.Theadvantagesanddisadvantagesofeachofthesemethodsaresummarisedinthefollowingtable.
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27Pigs
Table 10. Advantages and disadvantages of each euthanasia method
Method Human safety risk
Pig welfare Skill required
Cost Class of pig
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Low. Use in well-ventilated area
Good. Can cause aversive reactions. Causes respiratory arrest following anaesthesia
Low Moderate. Initial cost of equipment, CO2 supply
Pigs less than 30 kg
Anaesthetic overdose
Low if assistance for restraint is available
Good. Causes respiratory and cardiac arrest following anaesthesia
High. Must be performed by a veterinarian
Moderate. Anaesthetic solution
All classes of pigs
Gunshot Moderate to high. Training and gun license required, security of firearm
Good. Correct aim essential
Moderate to high
Moderate. Initial cost of firearm and ammunition
Pigs greater than 15 kg
Penetrating captive bolt
Moderate to high. Training required. Security of captive bolt
Good. Correct aim essential
Moderate Moderate. Initial cost of captive bolt
Pigs greater than 30 kg
Blunt trauma to head
Low Good if performed on small pigs with rapid force strong enough for instant death
Low. Proper training required
None Pigs less than 15 kg
Guidelines
(i) Carbon dioxide
Carbondioxidecancauserapidonsetofanaesthesiawithsubsequentdeathduetorespiratoryarrestifaconcentrationofover80%canbemaintained.Itisverysafeforpersonnel,andrelativelyinexpensive.
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28 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
Themaindisadvantageisthatpigscanbecomedistressedifthegasisnotcorrectlyapplied.Theyhavetransientmusclespasmsbeforedeath.However,thisisaphysiologicalresponseaftertheonsetofanaesthesiaratherthananindicationofstress.Thespasmsarelessintenseinstressgenenegativepigsthanstressgenepositivepigs.
Carbondioxideisheavierthanair.Therefore,whenconstructingacontainerforpigeuthanasia,theoutletvalveshouldbelocatedatthetopsothecontainercanbecompletelyfilledwithcarbondioxidewhileairisallowedtoescape.Forsmallpigsarubbishbinorsimilarcontainerwiththeinletandoutletvalvesinstalledinthelidplusaplasticbagliner,oracut-offinnertube,canbeused.Aftercheckingthatthepigsaredead,thebagcontainingthemcanberemoved.
(ii) Anaesthetic overdose
Anaestheticoverdosedepressesthecentralnervoussystemcausingdeepanaesthesialeadingtorespiratoryandcardiacarrest.Veterinariansmustperformthisprocedureasitrequiresintravenousorintracardiacadministration.Thedrugsinvolvedcanonlybeadministeredbyveterinarians.
(iii) Gunshot
Themostefficientandcommonwaytohumanelydestroypigsisbyaclose-rangegunshottothebrain.
• Theremaybelegalrestrictionsondischargingafirearmincertainareas.Policepermissionmaybenecessary.
• Asmallcalibrefirearmismostsuitabletoreducetheriskofprojectilesexitingthehead.A0.22calibremagnumrifleisadequateformostpigsiftheshotiscorrectlypositioned.A0.22calibrerifleshouldonlybeusedonyoungpigs.Therangeshouldbelessthan5mandthemuzzlemustnotbeplacedagainsttheanimal’shead.
• Theanimalmustbestillandproperlyrestrained.Shootingatamovinganimalisextremelyhazardoustotheanimalandtobystanders.Neverfirewhiletheanimalismovingitshead.
Therearetwomethods:temporalandfrontal.
For the temporal method,thepigisshotfromthesideoftheheadsothatthebulletenterstheskullatapointmidwaybetweentheeyeandthebaseoftheearonthesamesideofthehead(position‘a’inFigure1).Thebulletshouldbedirectedhorizontallyintotheskull.Thismethodispreferredforadultpigsduetotheheavierbonestructureofthefrontoftheskull.
For the frontal method,thefirearmshouldbedirectedatapointmidwayacrosstheforeheadand(particularlyforadultpigs)about2cmabovetheleveloftheeyes(position‘b’inFigure1).Aimhorizontallyintotheskull.
Figure 1. Temporal (a) and frontal (b) positions
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29Pigs
(iv) Captive-bolt stunners
Thecaptive-boltstunnerissaferthanafirearm,sinceablankcartridgeisused.Themuzzleisfirmlypressedagainsttheanimal’sskullbeforefiring.Itmust,however,beassumedthattheanimalhasonlybeenstunnedandafollow-upmethodofensuringdeath,suchasbleedingout,isrequired.Thisrequirestheseveringofbloodvesselstoinduceeffectivebleeding.Itisoftennecessarytofollowupaneckcutwithathoracicsticktoseverthelargerbloodvesselsattheiroriginneartheheart,becausethebloodlossfromtheneckcutaloneisnotsufficienttoensuretheanimaldoesnotregainconsciousness.
Acaptive-boltstunnershouldNOTbeusedforthetemporalapproachoutlinedaboveforfirearms.
Themanufacturer’sdirectionsshouldbefollowedonthemostappropriateblankcartridgetouseforthesizeofthepigandforstorage.Regularmaintenanceofthecaptive-boltstunnerisessentialforefficientstunning.
Twotypesofcaptive-boltstunnerareavailable.Theconcussionstunnerhasawidemushroom-shapedheadthatdeliversaknockoutblowtotheskull.Thepenetratingstunnerhasanarrowboltthatisdrivenashortdistanceintothebrain.Thepenetratingtypeofcaptive-boltstunnerisrecommended,asitismorereliableatdeliveringaneffectivestuninpigs.Theconcussionstunner(non-penetrating)isnotrecommended.
(v) Stunning by blunt trauma to the head
Blunttraumatotheheadusingahammerorothersuitablesolidheavyobjectmaybeusedtorenderunconscioussmallandeasilycontrolledpiglets(uptothreeweeksold).TheblowshouldbeaimedatthecentreoftheforeheadinthepositionindicatedforfrontalshootinginFigure1.Theunconsciouspigletshouldthenbeimmediatelybledouttoensuredeath.
evidence of instant death
Thefollowingsignsindicatethatapigisdead:
• Thestandinganimalwillcollapse.
• Thetonguewillhangoutandbestraightandlimp.
• Whenacaptiveboltisusedtheeyeswillbewideopenwithablankstare.
• Theanimalwillnotblinkorhaveaneyereflexinresponsetotouch.
• Therewillbenoevidenceofrhythmicbreathingorheartbeat.
• Therewillbenoresponsetoanosepinch.
• Therewillbenovocalisation.Ifanysignsoflifearestillpresentthesameproceduremustberepeatedoranalternativeapproachmustbeusedtokilltheanimalinarapidandhumanemanner.
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31Pigs
glossary
Ad libitum: allowingpigstoeatanunrestrictedamountoffeed.
Adult: anypigovertheageofninemonths.
Approved authority: LocalorStategovernmententitywithrelevantstatutoryauthority.
Ark: aweatherproofmoveablestructuredesignedforhousingsowsand/orpigletsinoutdoorproductionsystems.
Boar: anuncastratedmalepigoverninemonthsofage.
Colostrum: milksecretedbythesowforthefirstfewdaysafterfarrowing,characterisedbyhighproteinandantibodycontent.
Condition score: afive-stagescoringsystemusedtoclassifytheconditionofpigs,basedontheamountoffatand/ormusclecoveringtheyhave.
Crate: cratesareusedasindependentpiecesofequipmentandarepurposedesignedforconfiningpigsforanumberofhusbandryfunctions,includingweighing,handlingforveterinaryinterventions,farrowingandassistingwithotherreproductiveprocesses.
Creep area: a separateareawithinafarrowingfacilityinwhichpigletsareprotectedfromcrushingoroverlyingbythesow,andwhichisusuallyheatedtoprovideatemperaturethatismoresuitableformaintainingthewelfareofpiglets,whileatthesametimemaintainingthecomfortofthesow.
Deep litter: atypeofgrouphousingsysteminwhichpigsarekeptonadeeplayerofbeddingmaterial,usuallystraworsawdust.
Dry sow: afemalepigthathasbeenmatedandhasnotyetfarrowed.
Dry sow stall (or gestation stall): anenclosureinwhichgiltsandsowsarekeptindividually.Stallsarenormallyjoinedtogetherinrowsandmaybeusedfortotalconfinementorallowthepigfreechoiceofaccess.Inaddition,theperiodofconfinementmayvaryfrompartofthepregnancytotheentirepregnancy.
Elective husbandry procedure: aprocedureappliedtoapigbyastock-persontopreventcommonproblemsexperiencedincommercialpigherds.
Farrowing: givingbirthtopiglets.
Farrowing crate: anenclosurecloselyrelatedtothesow’sbodysize,inwhichsowsarekeptindividuallyduringandafterfarrowing.
Farrowing pen: anenclosureforconfiningindividualsowsandtheirlittersduringandafterfarrowing.Suchpenscontainacreepareaandafarrowingcrateorotherstructureforconfinementofthesow.
Feeder: equipmentfromwhichfeedisdispensed.
Feeding stall: anenclosureorstallintowhichanimalsenteroneatatimetobeindividuallyfed.
Finisher: pigsgenerallyabove50kglive-weight,untiltheyaresoldorretainedforbreeding.Thesamemeaningappliesforpigsreferredtoas‘Finishing’.Theterm‘finisher’usuallyreferstopigsthatareinthefinalphaseoftheirgrowthcycleandmayincludepigsfrom50–70kg.
Foster: amanagementpracticewherebyapigletismovedsoonafterfarrowing,sothatitisfedbyasowthatisnotitsmother.
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32 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals
Gestation:theperiodwhenasowispregnant.
Gestation stall:seedrysowstall.
Gilt: ayoungfemalepig,selectedforreproductivepurposes,beforeshehasbeenmated.
Grower: pigsgenerallywithlive-weightsbetween20and60kg.Thesametermcanapplyforpigsreferredtoas‘Growing’(i.e.throughouttheentiregrowthperiodcyclefromweaningtofinishing).
Growing pigs: weaners,growersandfinishers.
Husbandry: careandmanagementpracticesinpigkeeping.
Hut: seeark.
Lactating sow: asowthathasgivenbirthandisproducingmilktofeedherpiglets.
Lux: aninternationalmeasureoflightintensity(nottobeconfusedwithwatts).
Mated gilt: ayoungfemalepigthathasbeenmated,buthasnothadafirstlitter.
Operator:apersonorentitythatmanagesapigproductionunit.
Pen: anenclosureforconfiningpigsinwhichtheycanturnaround,whichmaybeusedforhousingpigsingroups,housingboarsindividually,managementpurposessuchasmatingorfarrowing,orforconfiningpigsindividually.
Persistent bullying: enduringaggressionofapigbyoneormoreotherpigs,leadingthestock-persontoconsiderthatthewelfareofapigisbeingcompromised.
Piglet: apiguptothetimeitisweanedfromthesow.
Reproductive cycle: theperiodfrommatingtothefollowingmating,whichinthecontextofthisCodeisdefinedas150days.
Rooting: abehaviourofpigswherebytheyusetheirnosetodiginthegroundorinanyavailablematerial.
Sow: anadultfemalepig,whichhashadoneormorelitters.
Stall: anenclosure,closelyrelatedtothepig’sbodysize,inwhichgilts,sowsandboarsarekeptindividually.Stallsarenormallyjoinedtogetherinrowsandmaybeusedfortotalconfinementorallowthepigfreechoiceofaccess.
Stock-person: apersonwhoundertakestheimmediateday-to-dayhusbandrytasksassociatedwithlookingafterpigs.
Stock handling: puttingintopracticetheskills,knowledge,experience,attributesandempathynecessarytomanagestock.
Stockmanship:theknowledgeandskillofcaringforpigs.
Suckling piglet: apigletbetweenbirthandweaning(i.e.anunweanedpig).
Tethering: amethodofrestrainingpigswherebyaneckorgirthcollarisattachedtoashortlengthofchain,whichisinturnfixedtothefloororthefrontofapen.
Thoracic sticking: severingthemajorbloodvesselsaroundtheheartbyinsertingaknifeintothethoraciccavityinordertodrainthebloodfromananimal.
Weaner: apigafterithasbeenweanedfromthesowupuntilapproximately30kginlive-weight.
Weaning: theactofpermanentlyseparatingpigletsfromthesow.
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