primary industries standing committee model code of ... · pigs 1 1 introduction 1.1 the model code...

This book is available from CSIRO PUBLISHING through our secure online ordering facility at http://www.publish.csiro.au or from:

Customer ServiceCSIRO PUBLISHINGPO Box 1139Collingwood Victoria 3066Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9662 7666Local call: 1300 788 000 (Australia only)Fax: +61 3 9662 7555Email: [email protected]

© Commonwealth of Australia and each of its States and Territories 2008

This work is copyright.You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organisation. All other rights are reserved. Contact CSIRO PUBLISHING, acting on behalf of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council, for all permission requests.

Primary Industries Standing Committee

Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals

Pigs Third Edition

PISC Report 92

PISC Report No. 92

PigsThird Edition

Model Code of Practicefor the Welfare of Animals

Primary Industries Standing Committee

PISC 92 Pages.indd 1 25/3/08 3:55:54 PM

© Commonwealth of Australia and each of its States and Territories 2008

All rights reserved. Except under the conditions described in the Australian Copyright Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, duplicating or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Contact CSIRO PUBLISHING for all permission requests.

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry

Primary Industries Standing Committee.Pigs.

3rd ed.ISBN 9780643094772 (pbk.).

1. Swine – Health – Standards – Australia. 2. Swine –Feeding and feeds – Australia. 3. Swine – Housing –Australia. 4. Swine – Breeding – Australia. 5. Swine –Handbooks, manuals, etc. 6. Animal welfare – Australia. I.Title. (Series : PISC report ; no. 92).

636.40832

Available from:CSIRO PUBLISHING 150 Oxford Street (PO Box 1139)Collingwood VIC 3066Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9662 7666Local call: 1300 788 000 (Australia only)Fax: +61 3 9662 7555Email: [email protected] site: www.publish.csiro.au

Front cover photo by iStockphoto

Set in 10/12 Adobe GaramondTypeset by James KellyCover design by James KellyPrinted in Australia by Metro Printing


iiiPigs

Contents

Preface v

1 Introduction 1

2 Competenceofthestock-person 2

3 Foodandwater 3

3.1 Food 3

3.2 Water 4

4 Accommodation 5

4.1 Systems 5

4.2 Equipment 7

4.3 Environment 8

4.4 Protection 9

4.5 Waste control 10

4.6 Pigs kept outdoors 10

5 Husbandry 11

5.1 Inspections 11

5.2 Health 11

5.3 Farrowing and weaning 12

5.4 Boar management 12

5.5 Moving pigs 13

5.6 Elective husbandry procedures 13

6 Preparationfortransportandslaughter 16

7 Emergencyeuthanasia 17

8 Qualityassurancesystemsandrecordkeeping 18

Appendix1:Conditionscoringofpigs 19

Appendix2:Waterrequirementsforpigs 20

Appendix3:Spaceallowancesforpigs 21

Appendix4:Temperaturerecommendations 25

Appendix5:Methodsforemergencyeuthanasiaofpigs 26

Glossary 31


iv Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals

PrimaryindustriesministerialCounCil

InJune2001theAustralianCommonwealthandState/TerritorygovernmentscreatedseveralnewMinisterialCouncilsfromtheamalgamationandredirectionoftheworkofseveralexistingCouncils.

ThesechangessawthewindingupoftheAgricultureandResourceManagementCouncilofAustraliaandNewZealand(ARMCANZ)andtheestablishmentofanewCouncil,thePrimaryIndustriesMinisterialCouncil(PIMC).TheobjectiveofthisnewCouncilis:

‘To develop and promote sustainable, innovative and profitable agriculture, fisheries/aquaculture, food and forestry industries’.

MembershipoftheCouncilconsistsoftheAustralianFederal,State/TerritoryandNewZealandMinistersresponsibleforPrimaryIndustrymatters.

TheCouncilissupportedbyapermanentStandingCommittee,thePrimaryIndustriesStandingCommittee(PISC).MembershipoftheStandingCommitteecomprisesrelevantDepartmentalHeads/CEOsofCommonwealth/State/TerritoryandNewZealandagencies.


vPigs

PrefaCe

ThisAustralianModelCodeofPracticefortheWelfareofAnimalshasbeenpreparedbytheAnimalWelfareWorkingGroup(AWWG)withinthePrimaryIndustriesMinisterialCouncil(PIMC)committeesystem.MembershipofAWWGcomprisesrepresentativesfromeachoftheStateandTerritoryDepartmentswithresponsibilityforagriculture,CSIRO,AnimalHealthAustralia,andtheDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandForestry–Australia.ExtensiveconsultationhastakenplacewithindustryandanimalwelfareorganisationsinthedevelopmentoftheCode.

TheCodeisintendedasasetofguidelineswhichprovidesdetailedminimumstandardsforassistingpeopleinunderstandingthestandardofcarerequiredtomeettheirobligationsunderthelawsthatoperateinAustralia’sStatesandTerritories.

ThisrevisededitionoftheCodeisbasedonthe1998edition,whichwasendorsedbytheStandingCommitteeonAgricultureandResourceManagement(SCARM).

ThefollowingmodelcodesofpracticehavebeenendorsedbyPIMC(anditspredecessors,ARMCANZandtheAustralianAgriculturalCouncil).

Buffalo, Farmed(1995)Camel, The(2ndEdition)(2006)Cattle(2ndEdition)(2004)Cattle, Land Transport of(2000)Deer, The Farming of(1991)Emus, Husbandry of Captive-Bred(2ndEdition)(2006)Feral Animals, Killing or capture, Handling and Marketing of(1991)Goat, The(1991)Horses, Land Transport of(1997)Livestock, Air Transport of(1986)Livestock, Rail Transport of(1983)Livestock, Road Transport of(1983)Livestock, Sea Transport of(1987)Ostriches, Farming of(2003)Pigs(3rdEdition)(2008)Pigs, Land Transport of(1998)Poultry, Domestic(4thEdition)(2002)Poultry, Land Transport of(2ndEdition)(2006)Rabbits, Intensive Husbandry of(1991)Sheep, The(2ndEdition)(2006)Saleyards, Animals at(1991)Slaughtering Establishments, Livestock at(2001)

andinconjunctionwiththeNationalHealthandMedicalResearchCouncil,CSIRO,theAustralianResearchCouncilandtheAustralianVice-Chancellors’Committeeithassupportedthe

Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes(7thEdition)(2004).


1Pigs

1introduCtion

1.1 TheModel Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Pigs 3rdEdition (TheCode) isintendedasaguideforallpeopleresponsibleforthewelfareofpigsunderintensive,deeplitterandoutdoorsystems.Itrecognisesthatthebasicrequirementforthewelfareofpigsisahusbandrysystem,managedbytrainedandskilledstock-people.

Thebasicneedsofpigsare:

• Readilyaccessible,appropriateandsufficientfoodandwater;

• Adequatesheltertoprotectfromclimaticextremes;

• Opportunitytodisplayappropriatepatternsofbehaviour;

• Physicalhandlinginamannerwhichminimisesthelikelihoodofunreasonableorunnecessarypainordistress;

• Protectionfromand/orrapiddiagnosisandcorrecttreatmentofinjuryordisease;

• Freedomfornecessarymovementincludingtostand,stretchandliedown;

• Visualandsocialcontactwithotherpigs.

1.2 TheCodeisbasedontheknowledgeandtechnologyavailableatthetimeofpublicationandwillbeupdatedasknowledgeandtechnologyevolve.Whilstitoutlinesimportantaspectstobetakenintoaccountinensuringthewelfareofpigs,theneedforexperienceandcommonsenseinthehusbandryofanimalsisalsoemphasised.

1.3 TheStandardsinthisCodeformthebasisforanassessmentofcompliancewithgoodwelfare.TheCodemaybeusedasareferenceforauditorsandinspectorswhoaretrainedandcompetenttoexamineandjudgethewelfareofpigs.Informationprovidedundertheheadingsof‘Recommendedpractice’and‘Guidelines’isadvisoryonly.

1.4 Onemeasureofgoodwelfareinfarmedpigsisthattheyarecopingwiththeenvironmenttheyareplacedinandafarmcandemonstrategrowth,reproductiveperformance,diseaselevels,injuriesanddeathrateswithinindustrystandards.


2 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals

STANdARdS STANdARdS STANdARdS

2ComPetenCeofthestoCk-Person

2.1 Personsresponsiblefortheday-to-dayneedsofpigsmustensureanimalsundertheircontrolarecaredforinaccordancewiththeStandardsinthisCode.

2.2 PigsmustbecaredforbypersonnelwhoareskilledinpighusbandryandarecompetenttomaintainthehealthandwelfareoftheanimalsinaccordancewiththeStandardslistedinthisCode,orareunderthedirectsupervisionofsuchpersonnel.SuchcompetencymustbeabletobedemonstratedwithinthreeyearsofendorsementofthisCode.

Recommended practice

2.3 Personnelshouldbeappropriatelyinstructedonhowtheiractionsmayaffectapig’swelfare.

2.4 Personnelshouldundergoformaltrainingand/orbetrainedon-the-jobunderthesupervisionofexperiencedsupervisorswithinthefirstsixmonthsofemployment.Thereaftertrainingshouldbeconductedonaregularbasis.

Guideline

2.5 ThesuggestedlevelofskillfromtrainingandcompetencyforsupervisorsisatCertificateIIIinAgriculture–PigProduction,oranequivalentqualification.


3Pigs

STANdARdS

3foodandwater

3.1 Food

3.1.1 Pigsmustbeprovidedwithdailyaccesstofeedthatmaintainstheirhealthandmeetstheirphysiologicalrequirements.

3.1.2 Astock-personresponsibleforpigsmusttakeremedialactionifpersistentbullyingisleadingtodeprivationfromfood.

3.1.3 Automaticfeedersmustbecheckeddaily.3.1.4 Weanersmustbeprovidedwithaccesstofeedatleasttwicedaily.3.1.5 Ifbodyconditionscoreofapigfallsbelow2(onascaleof1–5,seeAppendix1)action

mustbeundertakentoimprovebodycondition.Ifremedialactionfailstorecoverthemtoascoreabove2theymustbeculled.


3.1.6 Automated feedingsystemsshouldallowanimalsaccess to feed inamanner thatminimisesintimidation,bullyingandaggressionfromotherpigs.

3.1.7 Foodprovidedshouldbefresh,palatableandfreeofknowngrosscontaminants,physicalortoxicsubstancesandmicro-organismsatlevelsthatareknowntocauseharm.

3.1.8 There shouldbecontingencies toprovideanalternativemeansofobtaininganddeliveringfeed,incaseofsupplyfailureordelaysindelivery.

3.1.9 Boarsandpregnantsowsshouldbegivensomebulkyorhighfibrefeedtosatisfyappetite.Thefeedprovidedfordrysowsneedstosatisfyappetitewithoutcausingthesowtobecomeover-fat.

Guidelines

3.1.10 Conditionscoringcanonlybeusedasaguidetoassessingtheadequacyofnutrition,healthand productivityforanimalwelfare.AguidetoconditionscoringofpigsisgiveninAppendix1.

• Conditionscoreofgrowerandfinisheranimalsandboarsshouldbe3orabove.

• Conditionscoreofbreedingsowsatfarrowingshouldbe3–3.5.

• Conditionscoreofbreedingsowsatweaningshouldbe2.5ormore.3.1.11 Toassessnutritionaladequacy,weightforagealongwithanassessmentofthegeneral

stateofhealtharemorereliableindicators,particularlyingrowingpigs.



STANdARdS STANdARdS STANdARdS

3.2 WateR

3.2.1 Drinkingwateroranotherwholesomeliquidmustbeeasilyavailabletopigsatalltimestomeettheirphysiologicalwaterneeds.

3.2.2 Automaticwateringsystemsmustbecheckeddaily.3.2.3 Astock-personresponsibleforpigsmusttakeremedialactionifpersistentbullyingis

restrictingaccesstowater.


3.2.4 Medicatedwatershouldonlybeusedoncompetentprofessionaladvice,asthereisariskthatoveruseormixingofmedications,orthemedicationitself,maycausetoxicinjurytothepigs.

3.2.5 Waterprovided shouldbepalatable,1 andat a temperature thatdoesnot inhibitdrinking.

3.2.6 Drinkerallocationperpenorgroup,drinkerdesign,positionandflowratesshouldbesuchthatwaterrequirementsofdifferentclassesofpigcanbemet.

Guidelines

3.2.7 Whenapiggeryisfirstestablished,oranewwatersourceobtained,thewatercanbetestedformineralcontentandmicrobiologicalcontamination,andadviceobtainedonitssuitabilityforpigsfromasuitablyqualifiedtestinglaboratoryand/orsuitablyqualifiedadviser.

3.2.8 Wherewholesomeliquidproductsaretobeusedasbothafoodandwatersource(e.g.whey),adviceshouldbeobtainedfromaqualifiedadviseronthesuitabilityoftheproductforthatpurpose.

3.2.9 The daily consumption of water by a pig will vary according to environmentaltemperature, feedingregime,diet ingredientsand live-weight.Providingdrinkingwateratatemperaturebelow20°Ccanassistinensuringadequateintakeduringhotconditions,wherethisispossible.Pigswilladapttodrinkingwarmwaterinhotclimates.ThetableinAppendix2showsthetypicaldailywaterrequirementsforvariousclassesofpig.

3.2.10 Disinfectionofdrinkingwatercanpreventintroductionofdiseases.Thisshouldbeundertakenonlyaccordingtotheinstructionsofaqualifiedadviser.

3.2.11 Somepigsmayconstantlybullyothersawayfromadrinkerpointanditissuggestedthatmoredrinkerspacesbeprovidedwherethisoccurs.

1 Reference:ANZECC&ARMCANZ(October2000).Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality.Paperno.4–Vol.2.ISBN0957824505


5Pigs

STANdARdS

4aCCommodation

Constructionorredesignofhousingshouldbebasedonexpertadvice.Housingshouldmeetanimalwelfare,environmental,andoperatorhealthandsafetyrequirements.Pighousingandfacilitiesshouldbecross-checkedforcompliancewiththeStandardsofthisCode.

4.1 systems

Pigsarecurrentlyraisedundersystemsfallingintothreemaincategories:

• Indoor(includingsingleandgrouphousingonsolidorslattedfloors);

• Deeplitter(groupsondeeplitterinsheltersorsheds);

• Outdoor(freerangeinpaddockswithsheltersuchasarksorhuts).

4.1.1 Accommodationforpigsmustbedesigned,constructedandmanagedinsuchawaythatitprotectspigsfromadverseweather,injuriesorotherharm.

4.1.2 Accommodation forpigsmustprovideat least theminimumspace requirementsidentifiedasStandardsinAppendix3.

4.1.3 Sowsandboarsaccommodatedindividuallyinstallsmustbeabletostand,getupandliedownwithoutbeingobstructedbythebarsandfittingsofthestall,toliewithlimbsextended,tostretchandtobeabletofreelyundertakesuchmovements.

Specifically,inthecaseofsowsandboars: (a) Theymustbeabletostandupatrestinastallwithoutsimultaneouslytouching

bothsidesofthestall;(b) When they lie down in the stall, their snout and hindquarters must not

simultaneouslybetouchingtheendsofthestall;(c) Ifthestallhasbarsalongthetopthesemustnottouchtheirbackswhenstanding

atrestorwhentheyhavetheirheadsdownfeeding;(d) Theplacementofdrinkersand/orfeed/watertroughsinthestallmustbeeasily

accessibletothem,butmustnotpreventabilitytostand,stretchandliedown;(e) Whenlyingdown,anycontactwiththeirneighboursinstallsoneithersidemust

notresultininjury.

4.1.4 Stallsandfarrowingcratesmustbedesignedandconstructedtominimiseaggressionbetweenpigsandoverlyingofpigletsbysows.

4.1.5 From10yearsafterendorsementoftheCodeasowmustnotbeconfinedinastallformorethansixweeksofanygestationperiod.Anexceptionisforindividualsowsthatareunderveterinaryadviceorspecialcarebyacompetentstock-person.

4.1.6 Facilitiesforlactatingsowsmustallowthemto:(a) Standandliedownwithoutobstructionbythebarsorfittingsofthecrate;(b) Givebirthtopigletswithoutobstruction,andminimiselossesofpigletsfrom

crushing,trappingorinjuries;(c) Sucklepigletssothatbothsidesoftheudderareaccessible;(d) Accessfeedandwaterwithoutobstruction.



4.1.7 Sowsconfinedinfarrowingcratesmustnotbeconfinedintheseformorethansixweeksinanyonereproductivecycle,exceptinanemergency,e.g.whereasowisrequiredtofosterasecondlitterafterherownpigletsareweaned.Insuchanexceptionalsituationthestock-personmustprovideadditionalcaretothesow.

4.1.8 Whereboarsarekeptconstantlyinstallstheymustbereleasedforuseformatingorexercisedatleasttwiceperweek.

4.1.9 Tethersmustnotbeusedtorestrainpigs.4.1.10 Boarsruningroupsmustbemonitoreddailyandmanagedtoensurethatsubordinate

boarsarenotseriouslyinjuredorsubjectedtopersistentaggressionbyotherboars.


4.1.11 Pigsgroupedinpensrequiresufficientspaceforeachtosleep,defecateandaccessfeedandwater.

4.1.12 Incombinationstall–groupsystemsfordrysowsorgilts,bullyinganddeprivationoffoodcanbeaproblemandthisshouldbemonitoredandmanagedbythestock-person.

4.1.13 Whereindividualquartersareprovidedfordrysowsandgiltsthepartitionsshouldpreventinjuryfromaggressivebehaviourwhilestillenablingthemtoseeeachother.Barsofstallpartitionsshouldbeverticalratherthanhorizontal.

Guidelines

4.1.14 Aggressionproblemscanoccuringrouphousingaccommodation.Thismaybemanagedbyadoptingsomeorallofthefollowingmeasuresundertheadviceofqualifiedadvisers.Carefulmonitoringisrequiredtoensurethataggressionisnotmadeworseormerelypostponed.

• Cullingofover-aggressivelinesofpigs;

• Draftingoutofsubordinatesows;

• Gradingforsizeevenness;

• Keepinggroupsstable;

• Providingenvironmentalenrichment(e.g.provisionofstrawornovelobjectstomanipulate);

• Provisionofescapeareasforbulliedsows(e.g.partitions,feedingstalls);

• Provisionofmoredrinkingpoints;

• Feedingsystemsthatminimisecompetitionbetweenpigsforfeedatfeedingtimes(e.g.tricklefeeding,individualfeedingstallsforsows);

• Optimisingpensize,shapeanddesign,andgroupnumbers;

• Minimisingthemixingofunfamiliarpigs;

• Castrationorimmuno-castrationofmales;

• Adoptionof alternative accommodation systems (e.g. outdoormanagementsystems,familypensystems);

• Providingfreeaccesstofeedprovidedthatover-fatnesscanbecontrolledorfreeaccesstofeedatthetimeoffirstmixing.


7Pigs

STANdARdS

Mixingofpigs,especiallyadultsowsandboars,isamajorcauseofaggressioningroup housing.Thismaybereducedatthetimeofmixingby:

• Introducingneworre-enteringsowsingroupsoffiveormoretolargergroupsofsowsratherthanindividually;

• Groupingafterdark;

• Usingmaskingodoursonallpigsinthegroup.

4.1.15 Floorsshouldbeinstalledandmaintainedinawaythatminimisesslippingandtheriskofinjuryandallowspigstostandnormally.

4.1.16 Solidsurfacesthatpigshaveaccesstoshouldbemadeofmaterialsthatcanbereadilycleanedanddisinfected.

4.1.17 Indeeplittersystems,littershouldbereplacedorrefreshedatintervalsthatensuregoodhygiene,provideforcomfortneedsandavoidcompromisetowelfarefromscaldingandlameness.

4.1.18 Theprovisionofstraworothersuitablematerialstopermitforagingbehaviourandprovidephysicalandthermalcomfortwhenlyingdownisencouraged,providedthatthisiscompatiblewithdrainage,hygienerequirementsandclimaticconditions.

4.1.19 Boarscanbekeptincompatiblegroupstopermitregularexercise.Theycanalsobekeptwithgroupsofgiltsorsowsprovidedthatpersistentbullyingorexcessiveunwantedmountingbehavioursdonotoccur.

4.2 equipment

4.2.1 Mechanicalequipmentessentialtoprovidethebasicfeed,waterandenvironmentalneedsofpigsmustbeinspecteddailyandmaintainedingoodworkingorder.

4.2.2 Equipmenttowhichpigshaveaccessmustbedesignedandmaintainedtominimiseriskofinjurytothepigs.

4.2.3 Ariskmanagement systemmustbe inplace incaseofbreakdownofmechanicalequipmentordelayindeliveryforalternativewaysofprovidingfeedandwater,andtoprovideenvironmentalneeds.

4.2.4 Shedswithautomaticallycontrolledforced-ventilationenvironmentalsystems(i.e.shuttersorfanscontrolledbytemperaturesensors)musthavefail-safebackupsthatenableshedstobeventilatedifpowerfailureislikelytothreatenthehealthandwelfareofpigs.

4.2.5 Naturallyventilatedshedsthatrelyonautomaticequipmentmustbeinspectedatleasttwicedailyorhaveafail-safeback-upsystemand/oranalarmsystemthatwillwarnofpowerormechanicalfailure.

4.2.6 Electrical installationsatmainsvoltagemustbe inaccessible topigsandproperlyearthed.



STANdARdS


4.2.7 Staffskilledinthecorrectoperationofsystems(includingback-upsystems)thathaveahighdegreeofcontrolovertheenvironment,includingautomatedormechanicalfeeddeliverysystems,shouldbeavailabletooperatesuchsystems.

4.3 enviRonment

4.3.1 Stock-personsmustuselightingthatenablesinspectionofallpigs.4.3.2 Ventilationmustpreventaccumulationofharmfulconcentrationsofgases.4.3.3 Actionmustbetakentodetectandcoolheat-distressedpigs.


4.3.4 Equipmenttoroutinelymeasureandrecordmaximumandminimumairtemperaturesatpiglevelshouldbeavailableinallsheds.

4.3.5 Sucklingpigletsthatareunderthreeweeksofageandweanersshouldbeprovidedwithbedding,insulationorsupplementaryheatingthatprotectsagainstcold.OptimumcomfortrangesareoutlinedinAppendix4.

4.3.6 Duringveryhotweather(35°Cormore)adultpigsareverysusceptibletoheatstress,andstepsshouldbetakentoalleviatedistressandavoiddeaths.Pigsmaydieifloadedfortransportationinveryhotconditions.2

4.3.7 At temperaturesabove38°Cstock-persons should inspect lactatingandgestatingsowsregularlyforsignsofheatstrokeandcoolanyanimalthatisaffected,e.g.waterapplicationfollowedbyincreasingairflow,provisionoficeblocksasalickand,subjecttoenvironmentalrequirements,provisionofaccesstowallowsormistspraysforoutdoorpigs.

4.3.8 Inindoorsystems,abrupttemperaturefluctuationsofgreaterthan10°Cduringthedayshouldinitiatemonitoringforadverseeffectsonpigsthatmayrequiremanipulationofheatingorwatercoolingandairmovement,toassistpigstocopeorbeattheiroptimumtemperaturerange.

Guidelines

4.3.9 Naturalorartificiallightofatleast20luxissuggestedtobemadeavailableatpiglevelinallbuildingsforaminimumofninehoursdaily.

2 RefertoModel Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of Pigs.(1998).SCARMReport63,section3.1.


9Pigs

STANdARdS

4.3.10 Incompletelyenclosedhouses,thelevelofairexchangesshouldprovidefreshairforrespiration,removeexcessheatandwastegases,andminimisetheeffectsofdustandexcessmoistureforpigandhumanhealth.

Table 1. Guidelines for safe levels of common pollutants for pigs

Pollutant Maximum recommended levelAmmonia 11 ppmCarbon dioxide 1500 ppmCarbon monoxide 30 ppmHydrogen sulphide 5 ppmInhalable particles 0.23 mg/m3

4.3.11 Operators are encouraged tohave systems inplace tomeasure concentrationsofammoniainenclosedhouses.Monitoringistobefocusedonareasofleastventilation.

4.3.12 Efficientventilationisparticularlyimportantwheneffluentisheldinstorageunderslattedfloors.

4.3.13 GuidelinesonmanagingtemperaturerequirementsforpigsareprovidedinAppendix4ofthisCode.

4.4 pRotection

4.4.1 Allbuildingsmusthave firepreventionmeasures inplace inaccordancewiththerequirementsofthecontrollingauthority.

4.4.2 Approvedfire-fightingequipmentmustbeavailabletoserviceallpigaccommodationwithstaff trained in itsuse. In largeshelters thataredifficult toservicewith fireequipmentandwherethepigsareinonespace,theremustbegatestoopentoallowpigstoescape.

4.4.3 Preventativemeasuresmustbeimplementedforprotectionofpigsfrompredators.


4.4.4 Annualinspectionofelectricalsystemsbyaqualifiedpersonshouldbeconducted.4.4.5 Fire alarms shouldbe situatedonallhousingunits andbe regularly checked for

function.4.4.6 Whenplanningnewbuildings,considerationshouldbegiventotheuseofconstruction

materialswithahighfireresistance,andallelectricalandfuelinstallationsshouldbeplannedandfittedsoastominimisetheriskoffire.

4.4.7 Pighousingshouldbelocatedandmanagedtobesafefromtheeffectsoffiresandfloods.

4.4.8 Firebreaksshouldbeestablishedaroundpastureforopen-rangesystemsandpigshedswheretheriskoffireishigh.



STANdARdS

STANdARdS

Guideline

4.4.9 Thereshouldbeasufficientnumberofexitstofacilitaterapidevacuationofpersonnelandorderlyevacuationofpigswherethisispracticable,safeforpersonnelandtimepermits.

4.5 Waste contRol

4.5.1 Faecesandurinemustnotbepermittedtoaccumulatetothestagewherethereisnocleanareaforpigstoliedown.

4.6 piGs kept outdooRs

4.6.1 Accesstosheltersincoldweatherandshadeinhotweathermustbeprovidedtoalloutdoorpigs.

4.6.2 Feedandwateringpointsmustbeprovidedsothatallpigscangainaccessandobtaintheirdailyphysiologicalrequirements.

4.6.3 Pigsmustnotberaisedonlandthatiscontaminatedwithtoxins,chemicalresidues,toxicplantsordisease-causingorganismsatlevelsthatareknowntocauseharm.


4.6.4 Spaceallowances for sheltersandgrazing shouldbeprovided inaccordancewithAppendix3.

4.6.5 Hutsforfarrowingandrearingshouldprovideprotectionforpigsfromtheelementsandprovideanenvironmentwherepigsareabletomanagetheirthermalcomfort.

4.6.6 Inregionswithhighsummertemperatures,riskmitigationmeasuresshouldbeputinplacetoreducetheriskofheatstress.Thismayincludetheprovisionofshade,ventilationand,subjecttoenvironmentalconsiderations,wallowsandwatersprinklers.

4.6.7 Considerationshouldbegiventomethodsofreducingthebuild-uporeffectofdiseasepathogensbytheuseofherdhealthprogramsthatincludevaccination,parasitecontrolandregularpasturerotationandspelling.

Guidelines

4.6.8 Commercialbreedsofpigsdevelopedforintensivesystemsmaynotbesuitableforalloutdoorconditions.Considerationmightbemadetousebreedsthataremoresuited,suchasLargeBlack,Tamworth,WessexSaddlebackandBerkshirebreedsorhybridsofsuchbreeds.


11Pigs

STANdARdS

STANdARdS

5husbandry

5.1 inspections

5.1.1 Pigsmustbeinspectedatleastonceeachdaybyacompetentstock-person.


5.1.2 Personnelshouldbeprovidedwithadequatetimefortheinspectionofpigsandthecheckingofequipment.

5.1.3 Personnelinchargeofpigsshouldbeabletorecogniseearlysignsofdistressordiseasesothatpromptactionistakenoradvicesought.

5.1.4 More frequentand thorough inspections shouldbeundertakenwhen there is anincreasedrisktowelfare,forexampleduringhotweather,outbreaksofdisease,wherebehaviouralvicesareoccurring,whenfarrowingisexpectedorwhengroupsofpigshavebeenrecentlymixed.

5.1.5 Whenpigsarehousedinlargegroupswhereitisdifficulttovisualiseallindividuals,inspectionshouldbeundertakenwhilstmovingamongthelivestock.

5.2 HealtH

5.2.1 Personsresponsibleforthecareofpigsmustbecompetenttorecognisethesignsofillhealthinpigs,includingbehaviouralanomalies,andmusttakeappropriateactionwhenanysuchsignsareobservedinpigsundertheircare.

5.2.2 Weaningmustbemanagedtominimiseanynegativeimpactonthehealthandwelfareofthesowandpiglets.

5.2.3 Deadpigsmustberemovedassoonaspracticable.5.2.4 Sick,weakorinjuredpigsmustbetreatedandifnecessaryisolated.5.2.5 Pigs with incurable sickness, injury or painful deformity must be humanely

euthanased.5.2.6 Animalsincapableofmovingmustbeeuthanasedonlocation.5.2.7 Pigproducersmusthaveaherdhealthprograminplacetomanagetheriskofdisease.5.2.8 Ifthepersoninchargeisnotabletoidentifythecausesofillhealthandcorrectthem,

theymustseekadvicefromthosewithtrainingandexperienceinsuchmatters.5.2.9 Vaccinationsandotherhealthtreatmentsmustbeadministeredtopigsonlybypersons

competentinsuchproceduresorbypersonsunderthedirectsupervisionofapersonexperiencedinconductingtheprocedure.



STANdARdS


5.2.10 Recordsofsickanimals,deaths,treatmentgivenandresponsetotreatmentshouldbemaintainedtoassistdiseaseinvestigations.

5.2.11 Behaviouralvicessuchaspersistentear,flankortailbitingshouldbeinvestigatedwiththeassistanceofasuitablyqualifiedadvisertoidentifythepossibleenvironment,feed,managementorhealthfactorscausingtheproblem.

Guidelines

5.2.12 The recommendedmethodsof emergencyhumane slaughter foron-farmusearedescribedinAppendix5.

5.2.13 Signsofillhealthinpigsmayincludeseparationfromotherpigs,lethargy,refusaltoeat,reducedproductionorfertility,changesintheconsistencyoffaeces,vomiting,skindiscolouration,shivering,sneezing,coughing,panting,lameness,swellingsonthebodyorjointsandabnormalbehaviour.

5.2.14 Methodsofcarcasedisposalcanincludeincineration,compostingordeepburial,subjecttotheapprovaloftherelevantauthorities.

5.3 FaRRoWinG and WeaninG

5.3.1 Allpigletsmustbecheckedwithin24hoursofbirthtoseethattheyarefeeding,toensurethatthepigletshavehadtheopportunitytoreceivecolostrum,orareprovidedwithanappropriatesubstitute.

5.3.2 Ifasowdiespriortoweaningorpigletsarereceivinginadequatenutrition,thepigletsmustbefostered,weaned,handrearedoreuthanased.


5.3.3 Sowsshouldbeplacedinfarrowingquartersbeforethelitterisdue,toallowthemtobecomeaccustomedtotheirsurroundings.

Guidelines

5.3.4 Forweaningofpigsunderthreeweeksofage,managementandnutritionneedtobeofaveryhighstandardtopreventpigletmortalityandill-thrift.

5.4 BoaR manaGement


5.4.1 Aggressiveadultboarsshouldbehousedindividuallytopreventinjuryfromfightingorbekeptincompatiblegroups.

5.4.2 Theflooroftheserviceareashouldbewellmaintainedandnotslippery.5.4.3 Matingsshouldbeconductedunderthesupervisionofacompetentstock-personto

preventaggressivebehavioursandinjurytoboars,sowsorgilts.


13Pigs

StandardS

StandardS

General information

5.4.4 Boarsmayneedtobekeptinstallsorindividualpenstopreventpersistentaggressiontootherboars.

5.4.5 Boarsthatareraisedtogetherarelesslikelytofightoneanotherandmaybecompatibleinpairsorsmallgroups.

5.4.6 Housingsystemsthatprovideboarswithmorefreedomofmovementthanconventionalstallsareencouragedforuse,providedthatsuchsystemsareconsistentwithmanagementofboarhygieneandoperatorhealthandsafetyrequirements.

5.5 MovinG piGs

5.5.1 Dogs,electricproddersandhittingwithsolidobjectsmustnotbeusedtomovepigs.3


5.5.2 Pigsshouldbemovedquietly,ideallybyusingabackingboardorothernon-injuriousobjects,byskilledstock-persons.

5.5.3 Designofpighousingandloadingfacilitiesshouldbebasedonexpertadvice,tofacilitateeaseofpigmovementandminimisestressonanimals.

5.6 ElEctivE husbandRy pRocEduREs

introduction

Theproceduresdescribedinthissectionmaybecarriedoutwherenecessary.Alternativeoptionsthatminimiseoralleviatepainfromelectivehusbandryprocedures,ortheavoidanceoftheiruse,shouldbeadoptedwherepossible.

5.6.1 Stock-personsmustnot carry out electivehusbandryproceduresunless they arecompetenttoundertakethemorareunderthedirectsupervisionofapersonexperiencedinconductingtheprocedureinaccordancewiththisCode.

5.6.2 Surgicalcastrationofmalepigsolderthan21daysorsurgicalproceduresthatrenderamalepigover21daysofagesterilemustbeperformedunderanaesthesiaandbyaveterinarypractitioner.

3 RefertoModel Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of Pigs.(1998).SCARMReport63,section5.7.2,whichhasspecificprovisionsonlimiteduseofproddersforloadingandunloadingofpigs.NoteSection2.2whichstatesthatownershipofthepigrestswiththeowneruntilthepigisloaded.




5.6.3 Strictattentionshouldbepaidto:

• Suitabilityoftheareainwhichtheprocedureistobeperformed;

• Thecatchingandrestrainingfacilities;

• Minimisethedurationandamountofrestraint,painanddistress;

• Appropriateselectionandmaintenanceofinstruments;

• Maintenanceofgoodhygiene,particularlyofhypodermicsyringes,scalpelsandneedlesandofthesiteofinjections;

• Provisionofafter-carefortheanimals.5.6.4 Restraintusedonpigsshouldbetheminimumnecessarytosafelyandquicklycomplete

theprocedure.

Castration

5.6.5 If surgical castration is considered necessary in order for market and consumerrequirementstobemet,itshouldbeperformedbyatrainedandcompetentoperator.

5.6.6 Surgicalcastrationrequiresuseofasterilesharpimplementsuchasaknifeorsurgicalscalpel,withtheanimaladequatelyrestrained.Goodpost-operativedrainageofthesurgicalwoundisessential.

5.6.7 It is recommendedthatpigletsbecastratedafter twodaysofage,after theyhaveestablishedtheirsucklingorder,andbeforesevendaysofage.Whenpigs8–21daysofagearecastrated,appropriateandeffectiverestraintisnecessary.

Tail docking

5.6.8 Taildockingshouldbeavoidedwhereverpossible.

5.6.9 Wheretailbitingisaproblem,allaspectsoftheenvironment,feedingandmanagementshouldbeinvestigatedtoidentifythecontributingfactorssothatremedialactioncanbetaken,e.g.environmentalenrichmentwithstraworothermaterialsthatcanbemanipulated.

5.6.10 Wheretaildockingispractisedasapreventativemeasure,itshouldbecarriedoutbeforepigsaresevendaysofage.

Clipping of ‘needle’ teeth

5.6.11 Qualifiedadviceshouldbesoughttodetermineifteeth-clippingisnecessary.Thisprocedureshouldnotberoutinelyrequired.

5.6.12 Ifaggressionbetweenlittermatesordamagetothesowareaproblem,thisprocedureshould be carried out within three days of birth. It should only be done whereunacceptableinjuryisoccurringtolittermatesandthesow’sudder.

5.6.13 Onlythetips(nomorethanaquarter)oftheteethshouldberemoved.


15Pigs

Nose ringing

5.6.14 Noseringingshouldbeavoided.However,thisproceduremayneedtobeperformedasalastresort,topreventadverseeffectstotheenvironment,ifpigsarekeptonpasture.

5.6.15 Noseringsshouldbeplacedthroughthecartilageofthetopofthesnoutorthetissuesseparatingthenostrils.

5.6.16 Provisionofadequatesubstrateorpastureforchewingcanprovideforexploratoryorforagingbehaviouranddeterpigsfromrootingupgroundexcessively.

Identification

5.6.17 Whereitisnecessarytomarkpigsforpermanentidentification,theearmaybetattooed,tagged,notchedorpunched,orthebodymaybetattooedoramicro-chipimplanted.

5.6.18 Earnotchingshouldbeavoidedwherepossible.Whereearnotchingisperformed,itshouldbecarriedoutbeforethepigletsaresevendaysofage.

Back-fat measurement and pregnancy diagnosis

5.6.19 Therecommendedmethodforpregnancytestingandback-fatmeasurementiswiththeuseofultrasonicorothernon-invasiveequipment.

Tusk trimming

5.6.20 Tusktrimmingofboarsisnecessarywhereinjurytohumansoranimalsislikelytooccur.

5.6.21 Tusktrimmingshouldbeconductedusingembryotomywire.5.6.22 Theboarshouldbeappropriatelyrestrainedand,ifnecessary,anaesthetisedforrestraint.

Analgesiaisnotrequiredasthetusklackssensorynerves.5.6.23 Tusksshouldbeseveredcleanlyabovethelevelofthegumswithoutcausingdamageto

othertissues.



6PreParationfortransPortandslaughter

PigsshouldbepreparedandtransportedinaccordancewiththerelevantState/Territorylegislationandcodesofpracticerelatingtopigtransport.


17Pigs

STANdARdS

7emergenCyeuthanasia

introduction

PrevioussectionsofthisCodehavedrawnattentiontothosecircumstanceswhen,forhumanereasons,pigsmayneedtobeeuthanased,e.g.ifsufferinginjuryordisease.

7.1 Themethodofeuthanasiamustcauseasuddenunconsciousnesswithdeathoccurringwhenunconscious.

7.2 Acompetentpersonwhoissuitablytrainedistoperformtheeuthanasia.


7.3 Theanimalshouldbequietlyhandledbeforehandtoensureitisnotunnecessarilydistressedoralarmed.

7.4 Themethodssuitableforon-farmeuthanasiaaredetailedinAppendix5.



8QualityassuranCesystemsandreCordkeePing


8.1 Itisstronglyrecommendedthatallpigfarmsbepartofanappropriateindustryapprovedqualityassuranceprogramthatincludesanimalwelfare.

8.2 Themaintenanceofgoodrecordsisanintegralpartofaqualityassurancesystemandgoodfarmmanagement.Accuraterecordsshouldbekeptonthecasehistoryandtreatmentofanydiseasedorinjuredpigs.Accurateidentificationofanimalsisessential.

Guidelines

8.3 Managementandmonitoringofanimalwelfarecanbeaidedbytheimplementationofanauditedon-farmqualityassurancesystemthatincludestheStandardsofthisCode.

8.4 Qualityassurancesystemsprovidearecordofwelfare,healthandproductivitydataaswellasdocumentedevidenceofcriticalmanagementprocedures,stafftraininganddetailsofcorrectiveactionsforadverseevents.


19Pigs

aPPendix1:ConditionsCoringofPigs

Numerical score

Pelvic bones, tail head

Loin Vertebrae Ribs

1 Pelvic bones very prominent. Deep cavity around the tail head.

Loin very narrow. Sharp edges on transverse spinal processes. Flank very hollow.

Prominent and sharp throughout the length of the backbone.

Individual ribs very prominent.

2 Pelvic bones obvious but some slight cover. Cavity around tail head.

Loin narrow. Only very slight cover to edge of transverse spinal processes. Flank rather hollow.

Prominent. Rib cage less apparent. Difficult to see individual ribs.

3 Pelvic bones covered.

Edge of transverse spinal processes covered and rounded.

Visible over the shoulder. Some cover further back.

Covered but can be felt.

4 Pelvic bones only felt with firm pressure. No cavity around tail.

Edge of transverse spinal processes felt only with firm pressure.

Felt only with firm pressure.

Rib cage not visible. Very difficult to feel any ribs.

5 Pelvic bones impossible to feel. Root of tail set deep in surrounding fat.

Impossible to feel bones. Flank full and rounded.

Impossible to feel vertebrae.

Not possible to feel ribs.

Careshouldbetakenwhenassessingbodyfatandback-fatcoverasthesecanbelessinpigsthatareselectedforcertainconformationandfatcoverinspecificlocations.

Table 2. Guidelines for body condition score of pigs



aPPendix2:waterreQuirementsforPigs

Forplanningpurposesthefollowingconsumptionestimatesareprovidedfornormalambienttemperatures(i.e.10°C–25°C).

Table 3. Average water consumption (litres per day)

Boar or dry sow 12–15

Sow and litter 25–45

Grower pig: 25 kg 45 kg 65 kg90 kg

3–5 5–7 7–99–12

Flowrateswillvarydependingonthenumberofdrinkingpointsandcareshouldbetakentoensureadequatepumpcapacityandsupplytomaintainflow.

Table 4. Recommended water flow rates and maximum water pressures

Class Flow rate (litres/minute)

Maximum pressure (kPa)

Weaners 0.5 85–105

Growers/finishers 1.0 140–175

Dry sow 1.0 No limit*

Lactating sow 2.0 No limit*

*Careshouldbemadenottohaveexcessivepressureaswaterwastagecanoccur.


21Pigs

aPPendix3:sPaCeallowanCesforPigs

introduction

Adequatespaceallowancesrequireaconsiderationofgroupsize,pensize,age,breed,temperature,ventilationandlighting.

ThefollowingtablesofStandardsforspaceallowancesthatmustbeprovidedforpigshousedindoorsarebasedoncurrentscientificknowledgeandgoodpractice.Alldimensionsandmeasuresrefertotheclearspaceprovidedforpigsinsideofrailsorpartitions.

Penfixturessuchasfeedersandwatererscanbeincludedinthisspaceforstallsandcratesaslongastheydonotimpedemovementorcauseinjury.

ThespaceallowancesStandardsforpigshousedindoorsoutlinedbelowaretobeconsideredbindingonallfacilitiesfromfiveyearsafterendorsementofthisCode,exceptwhereotherwisespecificallystated.

1. Standards for growing pigs (weaners, growers, finishers)

Theminimumavailablefloorareaforweaners,growersandfinishersiscalculatedasm2perpig=0.030xbodyweight0.67(seefootnotereference4).Thisformulaappliestoindoorpensofallflooringtypes.Wherethereisarangeofweightsinagroup,theminimumisbasedontheaverageweightofpigsinthegroup.

Table 5. Minimum space requirement (m2 per pig) for weaners, growers and finishers

LW(kg)* m2 LW(kg) m2 LW(kg) m2 LW(kg) m2

1 0.03 31 0.30 61 0.47 91 0.62

2 0.05 32 0.31 62 0.48 92 0.62

3 0.06 33 0.31 63 0.48 93 0.63

4 0.08 34 0.32 64 0.49 94 0.63

5 0.09 35 0.32 65 0.49 95 0.63

6 0.10 36 0.33 66 0.50 96 0.64

7 0.11 37 0.34 67 0.50 97 0.64

8 0.12 38 0.34 68 0.51 98 0.65

9 0.13 39 0.35 69 0.51 99 0.65

10 0.14 40 0.36 70 0.52 100 0.66

11 0.15 41 0.36 71 0.52 101 0.66

12 0.16 42 0.37 72 0.53 102 0.67

13 0.17 43 0.37 73 0.53 103 0.67

4 SpoolderHAM,EdwardsSA,CorningS(2000).Livestock Production Science64:167–173.



14 0.18 44 0.38 74 0.54 104 0.67

15 0.18 45 0.38 75 0.54 105 0.68

16 0.19 46 0.39 76 0.55 106 0.68

17 0.20 47 0.40 77 0.55 107 0.69

18 0.21 48 0.40 78 0.56 108 0.69

19 0.22 49 0.41 79 0.56 109 0.70

20 0.22 50 0.41 80 0.57 110 0.70

21 0.23 51 0.42 81 0.57 111 0.70

22 0.24 52 0.42 82 0.57 112 0.71

23 0.25 53 0.43 83 0.58 113 0.71

24 0.25 54 0.43 84 0.58 114 0.72

25 0.26 55 0.44 85 0.59 115 0.72

26 0.27 56 0.45 86 0.59 116 0.72

27 0.27 57 0.45 87 0.60 117 0.73

28 0.28 58 0.46 88 0.60 118 0.73

29 0.29 59 0.46 89 0.61 119 0.74

30 0.29 60 0.47 90 0.61 120 0.74


Pigshousedformorethanonetotwoweeksindeeplittersystemsshouldbeprovidedwithatleast30%morespaceperpigthantheStandardslistedforgrouphousingwithotherflooringandwastemanagementsystems.Thisisrequiredtoassistwithlittermanagement.

Table 5 continued

*LW=live-weight


23Pigs

2. Standards for breeding gilts, sows and boars housed indoors

Table 6. Minimum space requirements for adult pigs

Class Minimum space allowance per adult

Gilts in group housing (mated or selected for breeding and >100 kg LW)

1 m2

Sows in group housing 1.4 m2

Adult pigs in individual stalls• All new installations

Sows Boars

• All stalls, including those installed prior to endorsement of this Code

0.6 m x 2.2 m 0.7 m x 2.4 m Must provide the outcome-based Standards of Section 4.

Boars in individual pens (living space only) 6.0 m2

Sows in farrowing cratesNew farrowing crate installations: • Crate dimensions • Farrowing crate and creep area

------------------------------------------------------------• All farrowing crates, including those installed

prior to endorsement of this Code

0.5 m x 2 m 3.2 m2

• The minimum length must be 2 metres. This is the internal measurement, inclusive of feed and water facilities and a rear anti-crush rail placed where required.

• The minimum width of 500 mm is to be taken at not more than 450 mm above the floor level.

• Where crates installed prior to this Code are smaller than this, they must only be used for smaller sows to achieve the Standards of Section 4. ---------------------------------------------

• Must provide the outcome-based Standards of Section 4.

Farrowing pen 5.6 m2 per sow


Sows,whenhousedingrouppenswithagroupsizeoflessthan10sows,mayneedagreaterspaceallowancethanthestatedminimumifpersistentbullyingandaggressionoccurs.



3. Recommended practice for outdoor pigs

3.1 space allowances for outdoor systems

Table 7. Maximum stocking rate recommendations in paddocks

Dry sows 20–25 sows/ha

Lactating sows with piglets 9–14 sows/ha

Feedingfacilitiesareincludedinthisallowance.

Guidelines

Thefollowinginformationiscommonpractice:

Sowskeptingroups 300–400m2persow

Sowskeptinindividualpaddocks 400–500m2persow

3.2 space allowances for shelter accommodation

Table 8. Minimum space allowance recommendation for shelter accommodation

Dry sows in groups 1.2–1.5 m2/sow

Lactating sows with piglets 4–6 m2/sow

Boars 2 m2/boar


25Pigs

aPPendix4:temPeraturereCommendations

Pigs,excepttheveryyoung,areabletotolerateawiderangeoftemperatureswithoutdetrimenttotheirwelfare,providedabrupttemperaturechangesdonotoccur.

Observationofapig’sbehaviourbyacompetentstock-personisthemostreliablemethodtoassessthermalcomfort.

Whenpigsaretoocoldtheywillhuddleandchangepositiontoconserveheat.Theywillincreasetheirfeedintake.

Whenpigsgettoohottheywillbegintopantinanefforttocooldownandreducetheirfoodintake.

Thereareanumberofwaystomanagethermalcomfortforpigs,e.g.coolingfromincreasedairmovement,watersprays,insulation,beddingandsupplementaryheating.

Table 9. Ranges of temperature that provide optimum comfort for different classes of pigs at pig level

Piglets – newborn 27–35°C

Piglets – three weeks of age 24–30°C

Farrowing house 16–22°C

Weaners 20–30°C in first week

Growers 15–30°C

Finishers 15–30°C

Sows and boars 15–30°C



aPPendix5:methodsforemergenCyeuthanasiaofPigs

introduction

Euthanasiaisdefinedascausingasuddenunconsciousnesswithdeathoccurringwhenunconsciousandwithoutdistress,pain,fearoranxiety.

Keypointstoconsiderabouteuthanasiainclude:

• Humansafety–staffmustbetrainedtoavoidpossibleinjurytothemselvesorothers;

• Pigwelfare–themethodmustminimisepainanddistresstothepigandotherpigs;

• Practicality–themethodmustbeaffordable,easytolearnandrepeatable;

• Suitability–themethodmustbesuitedtothesizeofthepig;

• Location–theproceduremustbedoneinasafe,quietandprivatelocation.

Theeuthanasiaprocesscanbedividedintothreestages.First,thepigisphysicallyrestrainedinawaythatminimisespainanddistress.Thismayincludeplacingtheanimal,ifsmall,intothecontainerinwhichitwillbekilled.Largeranimalsmayberestrainedusingaropesnareorplacedinaracetorestricttheanimal’smovements.Itisthenkilledinaquickandpainlessway.Finally,thepigischeckedtoensureitisdead.

methods of euthanasia

Therearevariousmethodsofeuthanasia,describedbelow.Theadvantagesanddisadvantagesofeachofthesemethodsaresummarisedinthefollowingtable.


27Pigs

Table 10. Advantages and disadvantages of each euthanasia method

Method Human safety risk

Pig welfare Skill required

Cost Class of pig

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Low. Use in well-ventilated area

Good. Can cause aversive reactions. Causes respiratory arrest following anaesthesia

Low Moderate. Initial cost of equipment, CO2 supply

Pigs less than 30 kg

Anaesthetic overdose

Low if assistance for restraint is available

Good. Causes respiratory and cardiac arrest following anaesthesia

High. Must be performed by a veterinarian

Moderate. Anaesthetic solution

All classes of pigs

Gunshot Moderate to high. Training and gun license required, security of firearm

Good. Correct aim essential

Moderate to high

Moderate. Initial cost of firearm and ammunition

Pigs greater than 15 kg

Penetrating captive bolt

Moderate to high. Training required. Security of captive bolt

Good. Correct aim essential

Moderate Moderate. Initial cost of captive bolt

Pigs greater than 30 kg

Blunt trauma to head

Low Good if performed on small pigs with rapid force strong enough for instant death

Low. Proper training required

None Pigs less than 15 kg

Guidelines

(i) Carbon dioxide

Carbondioxidecancauserapidonsetofanaesthesiawithsubsequentdeathduetorespiratoryarrestifaconcentrationofover80%canbemaintained.Itisverysafeforpersonnel,andrelativelyinexpensive.



Themaindisadvantageisthatpigscanbecomedistressedifthegasisnotcorrectlyapplied.Theyhavetransientmusclespasmsbeforedeath.However,thisisaphysiologicalresponseaftertheonsetofanaesthesiaratherthananindicationofstress.Thespasmsarelessintenseinstressgenenegativepigsthanstressgenepositivepigs.

Carbondioxideisheavierthanair.Therefore,whenconstructingacontainerforpigeuthanasia,theoutletvalveshouldbelocatedatthetopsothecontainercanbecompletelyfilledwithcarbondioxidewhileairisallowedtoescape.Forsmallpigsarubbishbinorsimilarcontainerwiththeinletandoutletvalvesinstalledinthelidplusaplasticbagliner,oracut-offinnertube,canbeused.Aftercheckingthatthepigsaredead,thebagcontainingthemcanberemoved.

(ii) Anaesthetic overdose

Anaestheticoverdosedepressesthecentralnervoussystemcausingdeepanaesthesialeadingtorespiratoryandcardiacarrest.Veterinariansmustperformthisprocedureasitrequiresintravenousorintracardiacadministration.Thedrugsinvolvedcanonlybeadministeredbyveterinarians.

(iii) Gunshot

Themostefficientandcommonwaytohumanelydestroypigsisbyaclose-rangegunshottothebrain.

• Theremaybelegalrestrictionsondischargingafirearmincertainareas.Policepermissionmaybenecessary.

• Asmallcalibrefirearmismostsuitabletoreducetheriskofprojectilesexitingthehead.A0.22calibremagnumrifleisadequateformostpigsiftheshotiscorrectlypositioned.A0.22calibrerifleshouldonlybeusedonyoungpigs.Therangeshouldbelessthan5mandthemuzzlemustnotbeplacedagainsttheanimal’shead.

• Theanimalmustbestillandproperlyrestrained.Shootingatamovinganimalisextremelyhazardoustotheanimalandtobystanders.Neverfirewhiletheanimalismovingitshead.

Therearetwomethods:temporalandfrontal.

For the temporal method,thepigisshotfromthesideoftheheadsothatthebulletenterstheskullatapointmidwaybetweentheeyeandthebaseoftheearonthesamesideofthehead(position‘a’inFigure1).Thebulletshouldbedirectedhorizontallyintotheskull.Thismethodispreferredforadultpigsduetotheheavierbonestructureofthefrontoftheskull.

For the frontal method,thefirearmshouldbedirectedatapointmidwayacrosstheforeheadand(particularlyforadultpigs)about2cmabovetheleveloftheeyes(position‘b’inFigure1).Aimhorizontallyintotheskull.

Figure 1. Temporal (a) and frontal (b) positions


29Pigs

(iv) Captive-bolt stunners

Thecaptive-boltstunnerissaferthanafirearm,sinceablankcartridgeisused.Themuzzleisfirmlypressedagainsttheanimal’sskullbeforefiring.Itmust,however,beassumedthattheanimalhasonlybeenstunnedandafollow-upmethodofensuringdeath,suchasbleedingout,isrequired.Thisrequirestheseveringofbloodvesselstoinduceeffectivebleeding.Itisoftennecessarytofollowupaneckcutwithathoracicsticktoseverthelargerbloodvesselsattheiroriginneartheheart,becausethebloodlossfromtheneckcutaloneisnotsufficienttoensuretheanimaldoesnotregainconsciousness.

Acaptive-boltstunnershouldNOTbeusedforthetemporalapproachoutlinedaboveforfirearms.

Themanufacturer’sdirectionsshouldbefollowedonthemostappropriateblankcartridgetouseforthesizeofthepigandforstorage.Regularmaintenanceofthecaptive-boltstunnerisessentialforefficientstunning.

Twotypesofcaptive-boltstunnerareavailable.Theconcussionstunnerhasawidemushroom-shapedheadthatdeliversaknockoutblowtotheskull.Thepenetratingstunnerhasanarrowboltthatisdrivenashortdistanceintothebrain.Thepenetratingtypeofcaptive-boltstunnerisrecommended,asitismorereliableatdeliveringaneffectivestuninpigs.Theconcussionstunner(non-penetrating)isnotrecommended.

(v) Stunning by blunt trauma to the head

Blunttraumatotheheadusingahammerorothersuitablesolidheavyobjectmaybeusedtorenderunconscioussmallandeasilycontrolledpiglets(uptothreeweeksold).TheblowshouldbeaimedatthecentreoftheforeheadinthepositionindicatedforfrontalshootinginFigure1.Theunconsciouspigletshouldthenbeimmediatelybledouttoensuredeath.

evidence of instant death

Thefollowingsignsindicatethatapigisdead:

• Thestandinganimalwillcollapse.

• Thetonguewillhangoutandbestraightandlimp.

• Whenacaptiveboltisusedtheeyeswillbewideopenwithablankstare.

• Theanimalwillnotblinkorhaveaneyereflexinresponsetotouch.

• Therewillbenoevidenceofrhythmicbreathingorheartbeat.

• Therewillbenoresponsetoanosepinch.

• Therewillbenovocalisation.Ifanysignsoflifearestillpresentthesameproceduremustberepeatedoranalternativeapproachmustbeusedtokilltheanimalinarapidandhumanemanner.


31Pigs

glossary

Ad libitum: allowingpigstoeatanunrestrictedamountoffeed.

Adult: anypigovertheageofninemonths.

Approved authority: LocalorStategovernmententitywithrelevantstatutoryauthority.

Ark: aweatherproofmoveablestructuredesignedforhousingsowsand/orpigletsinoutdoorproductionsystems.

Boar: anuncastratedmalepigoverninemonthsofage.

Colostrum: milksecretedbythesowforthefirstfewdaysafterfarrowing,characterisedbyhighproteinandantibodycontent.

Condition score: afive-stagescoringsystemusedtoclassifytheconditionofpigs,basedontheamountoffatand/ormusclecoveringtheyhave.

Crate: cratesareusedasindependentpiecesofequipmentandarepurposedesignedforconfiningpigsforanumberofhusbandryfunctions,includingweighing,handlingforveterinaryinterventions,farrowingandassistingwithotherreproductiveprocesses.

Creep area: a separateareawithinafarrowingfacilityinwhichpigletsareprotectedfromcrushingoroverlyingbythesow,andwhichisusuallyheatedtoprovideatemperaturethatismoresuitableformaintainingthewelfareofpiglets,whileatthesametimemaintainingthecomfortofthesow.

Deep litter: atypeofgrouphousingsysteminwhichpigsarekeptonadeeplayerofbeddingmaterial,usuallystraworsawdust.

Dry sow: afemalepigthathasbeenmatedandhasnotyetfarrowed.

Dry sow stall (or gestation stall): anenclosureinwhichgiltsandsowsarekeptindividually.Stallsarenormallyjoinedtogetherinrowsandmaybeusedfortotalconfinementorallowthepigfreechoiceofaccess.Inaddition,theperiodofconfinementmayvaryfrompartofthepregnancytotheentirepregnancy.

Elective husbandry procedure: aprocedureappliedtoapigbyastock-persontopreventcommonproblemsexperiencedincommercialpigherds.

Farrowing: givingbirthtopiglets.

Farrowing crate: anenclosurecloselyrelatedtothesow’sbodysize,inwhichsowsarekeptindividuallyduringandafterfarrowing.

Farrowing pen: anenclosureforconfiningindividualsowsandtheirlittersduringandafterfarrowing.Suchpenscontainacreepareaandafarrowingcrateorotherstructureforconfinementofthesow.

Feeder: equipmentfromwhichfeedisdispensed.

Feeding stall: anenclosureorstallintowhichanimalsenteroneatatimetobeindividuallyfed.

Finisher: pigsgenerallyabove50kglive-weight,untiltheyaresoldorretainedforbreeding.Thesamemeaningappliesforpigsreferredtoas‘Finishing’.Theterm‘finisher’usuallyreferstopigsthatareinthefinalphaseoftheirgrowthcycleandmayincludepigsfrom50–70kg.

Foster: amanagementpracticewherebyapigletismovedsoonafterfarrowing,sothatitisfedbyasowthatisnotitsmother.



Gestation:theperiodwhenasowispregnant.

Gestation stall:seedrysowstall.

Gilt: ayoungfemalepig,selectedforreproductivepurposes,beforeshehasbeenmated.

Grower: pigsgenerallywithlive-weightsbetween20and60kg.Thesametermcanapplyforpigsreferredtoas‘Growing’(i.e.throughouttheentiregrowthperiodcyclefromweaningtofinishing).

Growing pigs: weaners,growersandfinishers.

Husbandry: careandmanagementpracticesinpigkeeping.

Hut: seeark.

Lactating sow: asowthathasgivenbirthandisproducingmilktofeedherpiglets.

Lux: aninternationalmeasureoflightintensity(nottobeconfusedwithwatts).

Mated gilt: ayoungfemalepigthathasbeenmated,buthasnothadafirstlitter.

Operator:apersonorentitythatmanagesapigproductionunit.

Pen: anenclosureforconfiningpigsinwhichtheycanturnaround,whichmaybeusedforhousingpigsingroups,housingboarsindividually,managementpurposessuchasmatingorfarrowing,orforconfiningpigsindividually.

Persistent bullying: enduringaggressionofapigbyoneormoreotherpigs,leadingthestock-persontoconsiderthatthewelfareofapigisbeingcompromised.

Piglet: apiguptothetimeitisweanedfromthesow.

Reproductive cycle: theperiodfrommatingtothefollowingmating,whichinthecontextofthisCodeisdefinedas150days.

Rooting: abehaviourofpigswherebytheyusetheirnosetodiginthegroundorinanyavailablematerial.

Sow: anadultfemalepig,whichhashadoneormorelitters.

Stall: anenclosure,closelyrelatedtothepig’sbodysize,inwhichgilts,sowsandboarsarekeptindividually.Stallsarenormallyjoinedtogetherinrowsandmaybeusedfortotalconfinementorallowthepigfreechoiceofaccess.

Stock-person: apersonwhoundertakestheimmediateday-to-dayhusbandrytasksassociatedwithlookingafterpigs.

Stock handling: puttingintopracticetheskills,knowledge,experience,attributesandempathynecessarytomanagestock.

Stockmanship:theknowledgeandskillofcaringforpigs.

Suckling piglet: apigletbetweenbirthandweaning(i.e.anunweanedpig).

Tethering: amethodofrestrainingpigswherebyaneckorgirthcollarisattachedtoashortlengthofchain,whichisinturnfixedtothefloororthefrontofapen.

Thoracic sticking: severingthemajorbloodvesselsaroundtheheartbyinsertingaknifeintothethoraciccavityinordertodrainthebloodfromananimal.

Weaner: apigafterithasbeenweanedfromthesowupuntilapproximately30kginlive-weight.

Weaning: theactofpermanentlyseparatingpigletsfromthesow.


primary industries standing committee model code of ... · pigs 1 1 introduction 1.1 the model code...

Documents