BVA calls for ban on farrowing crates
Farrowing crates are designed to prevent piglets from being crushed by sows.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced a joint position with the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS) to ban the use of farrowing crates.
The policy position comes as the BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey reveals that nearly 75 per cent of veterinary surgeons are concerned about their impact on porcine welfare – 36 per cent of these saying they were very concerned.
First introduced in the 1960s, farrowing crates are designed to prevent piglets from being crushed by sows by restricting her movement. They are used from up to a week before the sow gives birth, up until the piglets are weaned at four weeks old.
The BVA says that approximately 60 per cent of sows in the UK are kept in farrowing crates during this time.
Despite farrowing crates reducing crushing, a fifth of respondents said they were concerned they prevented sows from performing natural behaviours. When held within these crates, sows are unable to turn around, move freely or go outside.
Nine per cent reported concern that the piglets' health was being prioritised over that of the sow.
Through their collaboration, the BVA and PVS are hoping to gradually phase out the use of farrowing crates. They have released a new policy position exploring the issues and recommendations for change.
The organisations recommend that farrowing crates are banned, with a new system introduced that maximises sow and piglet welfare.
They suggest a 15-year transition period, which will lead to no further use of current farrowing crates. New-build farrowing buildings may be used for either adaptive farrowing accommodation or free farrowing.
The policy position relies on a clear system being mapped out by the UK government, as well as the governments of devolved nations. The phase out would need to be adequately funded, factor in travel in the EU and incorporate an awareness raising campaign around farrowing systems.
During the transition period, the BVA and PVS also recommend that education is provided to farmers and producers to support their adaptation to new farrowing accommodations.
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “It’s time for change and working closely with the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS) we’ve created a balanced, pragmatic, and evidence-led position which calls on the UK government to move towards a total ban of their use.
“It will however take time for the industry to adapt and we’re recommending a transition period of up to fifteen years, backed by sufficient resource, to support producers to shift to either adaptive farrowing accommodation, with a significantly reduced confinement time for sows, or free farrowing.”
The full joint policy position can be read here.
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