Document type: article published byActa
Author: Acta (technical agricultural institutes)
Preview: In Europe, more than a third of farms no longer castrate their pigs. In Spain, Europe's leading pig producer, 80% of male pigs are left uncastrated. In Germany, the majority of farmers continue to castrate their pigs under general anaesthetic using isoflurane - a practice authorized in that country but banned in France. Nevertheless, 15% of German male pigs on farms are uncastrated and, since 2023, production of immunocastrated pigs has been increasing, now representing 3 to 5% of males andoffering an alternative that appeals to certain markets. In France, a decree and declaration published in January 2022 prohibit live castration without anaesthesia. In 2024, 51% of French male pigs were longer castrated, compared with 28% in 2022, and close to 3% will be immunovaccinated. The IFIP (Institut du Porc) is supporting this transition by disseminating best farming practices and uses for meat from entire or immunocastrated males, notably through regional events and presentations to professionals from the industry. In addition, as a participant in the European WELFARMERS program, IFIP is leading research on how to avoid the pain associated with castration.
