COMPASSIONATE PIG FARMING
Higher welfare alternatives to intensive pig breeding and rearing can and do exist
There are higher welfare alternatives to intensive pig production.
Compassion believes pigs should be born and reared outside and that sows should be free from the confinement of stalls and crates. Outdoor systems have high welfare potential for all stages of pig production, especially traditional woodland based systems.
Pigs are highly intelligent creatures and need a rich, stimulating environment.
We say yes to:
- Space to move around
- Outdoor access
- Straw to forage, nest and rest indoors
But no to:
- Any mutilations such as castration, tail docking and tooth clipping
- Sow stalls (banned in UK and Swedish pig farming) and farrowing crates
- A dull, barren environment
In the UK, around 40% of sows and young piglets (before weaning) are kept free-range and the sows farrow in outdoor huts or arcs. However, only 7% of growing pigs and 2% of finishing pigs will live a free-range life.
Using a number of case studies of higher welfare pig farms from around the world and scientific research, Compassion in World Farming has outlined key ways to achieve good pig welfare.
Our educational resources provide lecturers and trainers with the tools to teach high welfare farming practices. Visit the GAP pigs book and DVD pages for more details.
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