Animal category: Pigs

Answer to a question on the claims of non-compliance made in a video of the association L214 in an abattoir in Saône-et-Loire and on whether the French Government might be willing to regularise the sanctions observed.

UK Government document setting out the practical details of  the measures in its Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme. Farmers will be paid more for provision of a number of public benefits, including animal health and welfare.

Report recommending ten farming practices to achieve a significant reduction in the use of antibiotics on European farms while improving animal health and welfare.

Presentation of the results of an AHDB survey, demonstrating that animal welfare is a growing concern for British consumers. However, the latter are not prepared to pay more for their meat because they overestimate the quality of welfare conditions on British farms,. They are nevertheless increasingly aware of the health problems associated with farming practices.

Scientific review of ways to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig farming, especially for prophylactic purposes or to promote growth, while reducing the housing and husbandry stressors that can increase the vulnerability of animals to disease and decrease their quality of life.

Review by EURCAW-Pigs recommending that inspections for piglets at slaughter should focus on animal-based welfare indicators, with particular attention to 4 issues: the appropriateness of the decision to slaughter the animals; the handling and movement of piglets towards the point of slaughter; the slaughter method, preferably using single-step procedures; and the post-mortem inspection of carcasses.

Technical Instruction specifying changes to the procedures associated with the official monitoring of animal protection in the abattoir at the time of slaughter in France

Technical instruction listing existing training that is now recognised as being of an acceptable standard to qualify animal welfare advisors in pig and poultry farming, being part of the framework for the implementation of the French ministerial decree on such training.

Conclusions of the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the protection of animals during transport. Its recommendations include reductions in journey times, better protection of young animals and pregnant females, conditions placed on the export of live animals to third countries, and better information for consumers. It stresses the need to improve and supplement existing EU legislation.

Scientific review of the various precision farming systems that can be used to manage the needs, health and monitoring of grazing livestock, allowing any threat to care plans or welfare to be quickly remedied.