Sow Stalls Code Review

The national code of practice that regulates the keeping of pigs is currently under review. Pigs are intelligent
and social animals, and the RSPCA has serious concerns about some methods used in their farming. The code review is our chance � and yours � to make a difference to their future.

What is a model code of practice and how does it all work?

The Australian Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals are produced by the Australian Government as a guide for people involved in livestock production, handling and transport. The model codes set minimum animal welfare standards as well as providing advice on best practice in the care of livestock animals.

There are Model Codes of Practice that apply to a wide range of areas: for example, the farming of cattle, camels, goats and ostriches; the transport of livestock, horses, birds and poultry; and for the management of animals at saleyards and slaughtering establishments, to name just a few.In addition to the national codes, states and territories of Australia have their own codes of practice that may apply, for example, to the use of animals in film and television or in scientific research, or the operation of shelters and pounds.

Every now and then, in response to changing community attitudes or advancements in technology and our understanding of animal management, the codes are revised.

The model codes are drafted by a writing group made up of different stakeholders from government, animal welfare organisations and industry, as well as scientists and veterinarians. The group members discuss issues covered by the model code and the code they produce usually represents a compromise between their (often very different) viewpoints. Any interested parties then have the opportunity to have their say in how animals should be kept and treated.

Currently, the national model code that regulates the keeping of pigs in farmed situations is under review and is open right now for public consultation.

What are the RSPCAs concerns with pigs farming?

There area number of animal welfare issues associated with the farming of pigs, but the RSPCA is most concerned with the housing of breeding sows in farrowing crates or sow stalls.

A sow stall is a metal-barred crate that houses a single sow for all or part of her 16-week pregnancy. A standard sow stall measures just 2 metres long and 60 cm wide � this is barely enough space for a full-grown sow to fit in. The sow cannot turn around or move freely � she can usually only take a single step forward or back. If the sow can lie down, her legs protrude into the neighbouring stall. The floor is usually made of concrete, with a slatted trench for drainage at the rear.

Sow stalls were originally introduced to allow for housing of more sows in a smaller area (high stocking density), and to reduce the need for supervision to prevent possible bullying, aggression or competition for food. However, these savings come at a great cost to the welfare of the animal � pigs are very social animals, and preventing them form interacting with other pigs naturally results in frustration, demonstrated through stereotypical behaviours such as head swaying and biting of the metal bars. Also, because movement is severely restricted in sow stalls, the lack of exercise often leads to reduce muscle and bone strength and difficulty in standing up or lying down.

There are alternatives. Animal welfare groups argue that pregnant sows can be held successfully in groups provided that they are properly managed, have sufficient space and the ability to avoid aggressive encounters, such as through the use of get-away areas or partitions.

In intensive systems, a sow will be moved into a farrowing crate a few days before giving birth. A farrowing crate is similar to a sow stall, except it is slightly narrower and has an area around it where the piglets can move away from the sow. The sow is confined in the crate from 1-2 weeks before giving birth until the piglets are weaned, usually at 3-4 weeks of age.

Farrowing crates have been designed to maximise the survival of piglets, but this again is at a cost to the welfare of the sow. Farrowing crates do not provide nesting or bedding material for the pregnant sow, which results in stress and frustration for her. RSPCA Australia strongly believes that housing systems for farrowing sows must be designed to safeguard the welfare of both the piglets and the sow. Sows should not be held in farrowing crates for any longer than is necessary to ensure that the piglets have been successfully weaned.

Farrowing pens may allow for a suitable compromise. There are a number of experimental designs that have adapted the traditional farrowing crate to provide bedding and more flexibility and movement for the sow, while maintaining a high level of protection for the piglets. There are also extensive systems in use where farrowing takes place in individual huts with bedding, where the sow is free to move around and go in and out of the hut.

Some farms singly house the sows for the first 6-10 weeks and then group-house until the young are born.
However, around a quarter of farms keep their sows in stalls from conception until the litter of piglets is born � up to 16 weeks in total. Usually, the piglets are weaned at 3-4 weeks and then the sow is made pregnant again. From the age of 8-10 months the sow is generally either pregnant or lactating (with her litter). On average a breeding sow would have 8 litters over a 4-year period.

This means she may be in a stall or farrowing crate for all her adult life.
� More information on sow stalls and farrowing crates is available at www.rspca.org.au

How you can Help?

The National Model Code for the Welfare of Animals (Pigs) is currently open for public consultation. You can view the draft code and have your say at: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/pigcodeconsultation

This is your chance to make a difference and gain real improvements to the welfare of more than three hundred thousand breeding sows and their offspring farmed in Australia each year. If we don�t have our say now, this opportunity to achieve vital changes to the lives of farmed pigs could be missed. The pig is a complex and intelligent animal that we know is capable of feeling boredom, stress and pain. The results of this review will determine the treatment and conditions for farmed pigs for at least the next 15 years.

The RSPCA urges you to take part in the review to make sure animal welfare is considered as a priority. To make the process easier, RSPCA Australia has set up a page on its national website that provides clear and simple advice on how to submit comments on the code � just visit www.rspca.org.au and click on the cute piglet button! This page also provides a more in-depth explanation of how Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals are developed and applied.

If you�d like more information or advice, please feel free to contact RSPCA Australia on (02) 6282 8300 or e-mail rspca@rspca.org.au