The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling for a ban on the use of farrowing crates, with a 15-year transition to alternative systems.
The BVA and Pig Veterinary Society (PVS) have developed a joint position, calling for a gradual phasing out of farrowing crates, with various conditions attached, including government funding to help producers transition to flexible- or free-farrowing systems.
Key points include:
- Farrowing crates in their current form should be banned and replaced by a system that maximises sow and piglet welfare and ensures human safety.
- A clearly mapped out 15-year transition period should be implemented and, unless already agreed upon, no more of the current farrowing crates should be put into use. The position encourages new build farrowing buildings to either be a form of adaptive farrowing accommodation or free farrowing.
- The stages of shifting away from the current system to the new system must be clearly laid out and adequately funded by the UK Government and the governments of the devolved nations where appropriate. Any transition away must factor in the direction of travel in the EU to ensure symmetry and equal opportunities for UK producers.
- UK Government, the governments of the devolved nations and supermarket retailers should also carry out an awareness raising campaign around farrowing systems and the incoming changes to inform consumers ahead of the ban and during the transition period.
- During the transition period, there should be shared learning of best practice to enable farmers and producers to confidently and competently support animal welfare in the new farrowing accommodations.
Farrowing crates were introduced in the 1960s with the aim of reducing the number of piglets being accidentally crushed by sows. The crates are commonly used from up to a week before giving birth until the piglets are weaned at around four weeks old. Approximately 60% of UK sows are kept in farrowing crates during this time.
Vet concern
The BVA said its call comes as new statistics show that nearly three quarters (73%) of vets are concerned about their negative impacts on animal welfare, with 36% of these vets saying they were very concerned.
Although contemporary farrowing crates reduce crushing, a fifth of vets (20%) are concerned that the crates are so small as to inhibit the sows’ ability to perform natural behaviors, such as turning around, moving freely or going outside, while 9% reported being concerned that the crates prioritise the health of piglets over the welfare of sows.
BVA president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Whilst farrowing crates protect some aspects of the welfare of piglets, this controversial safeguarding method comes at the expense of the sows who are forced to live with restrictions on their natural behaviours and movements for extended periods of time.
“It’s time for change and working closely with the 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 UK is known across the world for our high standards of animal welfare and we must take action now to move away from this outdated system.”
PVS president Prof Dan Tucker said: “We want the UK’s sows to have as good a life as possible but it is clear that traditional farrowing crates restrict the ability of farrowing and nursing sows to perform many normal behaviours.
“There is now sufficient research-based evidence to support systems that optimise the balance between the sows’ needs, piglet health and welfare, and also stock keeper safety. Implementation of these new farrowing systems needs to be at a pace that allows producers to work with their veterinarians in optimising best management practice; the goal being to minimise and ultimately negate any compromise to piglets or stock keeper safety associated with this increased sow freedom.
“The UK pig industry has a long reputation of leading in welfare as demonstrated by the gestation crate ban; the UK was one of the first European countries to adopt the ban even though it made the UK uncompetitive in the common market.
“A phased transition will avoid the potential for economic shocks that would undermine the longstanding efforts of UK producers, and risk increased exposure of the UK market to imported pig meat produced at lower welfare standards. PVS supports the transition away from total farrowing confinement but it needs to be done in conjunction with financial support from government and retailers.”
NPA support
In December, the NPA set out its policy for a voluntary transition away from farrowing crates and the BVA-PVS position reinforced its position.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “We are advocating a voluntary transition away from farrowing crates towards flexible farrowing systems. This includes, with the Building Suppliers Forum, a commitment that producers will not install new conventional farrowing crate systems.
“We are pleased that the BVA and PVS joint position aligns with our policy position, also including the need for a sensible transition period and support for producers from government and the supply chain in making the costly transition.”
Earlier this month, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) launched a Multi-Stakeholder Action Plan, backed by various prominent players in the supply chain and the NPA, to accelerate the move towards alternative farrowing systems in the UK.