Pigs
Why is wallowing important for pig welfare?
Wallowing is a natural behaviour which pigs are motivated to perform and, when given the opportunity, pigs will make their own wallows. A wallow is a shallow depression containing muddy water in which a pig will often dig and root before entering to cover themselves in mud.
What is the difference between a farrowing crate and a farrowing hut?
In indoor intensive systems, pregnant gilts/sows (female pigs) are moved to a farrowing crate, also known as a piglet protection pen, approximately a week before farrowing (giving birth). Farrowing crates confine sows so that they are unable to turn around.
What are the animal welfare issues associated with imported pork?
All fresh pork products sold in Australia are from pigs raised in Australia, whereas imported pork products are either ‘small goods’ such as processed pork (ham, bacon or salami) or pre-cooked pork (pulled pork).
What are some of the painful procedures experienced by pigs on farm?
RSPCA defines a painful farm animal husbandry procedure as any action that alters or removes a specific body part of a farm animal and causes pain, suffering or distress. Any procedure that results in tissue injury should be assumed to cause pain, and therefore must be approached accordingly.
What are the animal welfare issues with mating stalls for pigs?
A mating stall is a crate used to hold a female pig for artificial insemination. In a mating stall, a female breeding pig is able to stand up or lie down but unable to turn around.
What are the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme standards for pigs?
Through the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme the RSPCA works closely with farmers committed to raising pigs to higher animal welfare standards. Since releasing our first animal welfare standards for pigs in 2009, more than 1. 5 million pigs have benefitted from better conditions on farm.
What are the animal welfare issues with farrowing crates for sows?
In Australia, most pigs are housed in intensive indoor systems. In these intensive systems, pigs may be confined and raised in barren environments, which leads to a higher risk of pigs experiencing poor welfare outcomes.
What are the animal welfare issues with sow stalls?
In Australia, most pigs are housed in intensive indoor systems. In these intensive systems, pigs may be confined and raised in barren environments, which leads to a higher risk of pigs experiencing poor welfare outcomes.