Document type: news from Pig333
Author: Pig333
Preview: The Official Gazette states that the surgical castration of male piglets up to seven days old is now permitted by the manager of the pig farm, provided that a written agreement has been drawn up with the company veterinarian. The procedure is only allowed with local anesthesia, full anesthesia is reserved for veterinarians.
According to the Royal Decree, the vet makes available to the pig farmer the anesthetics necessary for the castration of the piglets at the time of the surgical procedure.
For pigs that are only intended for domestic consumption, maximum efforts are made on alternatives to castration, such as adapted feeds or immunocastration. However, this option to castrate under local anesthesia without a veterinarian present will help protect export opportunities. Germany, for example, pays a lower price for intact boars or immunocastrated boars.
