Caring for Our Environment
Animal Welfare
FAQs
Q. Are all pigs kept in crates?
A. No. After they are weaned, pigs are housed in pens allowing them free movement. Sows are housed in stalls for the safety of piglets and to allow farmers to monitor feed and regularly check on the health of the sow and piglets. Pregnant sows are kept in stalls to allow for individual care of each animal.
Q. Isn't it cruel to keep sows in crates?
A. Pregnant sows are kept in stalls to provide protection from other sows and to allow the farmer to provide care for each animal as an individual. Research proves that appropriate welfare can be provided for gestating sows in both group housing and individual stalls. The critical factor in determining welfare is the skill and training of the caregiver. That holds true regardless of the facility design. In the farrowing barn, stalls are used for the safety of the baby pigs and also to allow farmers to monitor the feed and regularly check on the health of the sow and piglets. After they are weaned, pigs are housed in pens allowing them free movement until they go to market.
Q. Is it true baby pigs are forcibly weaned from their mothers after they've had their tails cut off and their teeth pulled out?
A. When piglets are ready for solid food, at about 2-4 weeks, they are weaned from the sow. Tails are clipped to keep other pigs from biting them. Their teeth may be clipped to square off sharp edges that could harm the sow during nursing. Teeth are never pulled from the piglets.
Q. Animal welfare groups say farmers today place profit over compassion. Is it true the welfare of the pigs is compromised in order to make more money?
A. It is in a farmer's best interest to take care of his or her animals. It makes great business sense and it's the right thing to do. To do anything else is self-defeating. All farmers take pride in producing safe, wholesome food raised compassionately.
Q. How can you tell if a pig is happy?
A. First of all, "happy" is a human value. A farmer can tell if a pig is content by squeals, playing and certain gruntings. Pigs under stress are at risk of health problems. Content pigs eat more and are just plain healthier.
Q. What's wrong with raising pigs outdoors? Wouldn't they be happier?
A. Some farmers still do raise pigs outdoors and do so successfully. But, for all pigs being outdoors could be miserable and their welfare would become compromised. Without protection, they are exposed to biting insects, predators, freezing cold and blistering heat. Modern barns provide climate controlled conditions with water-misting to keep them cool during warm weather and heaters in the winter.
Q. Are runts, sick or injured pigs always killed?
A. No. If a runt is from a large litter, it may not be getting enough milk. Often it is transferred to a sow with a smaller litter to improve its chance to thrive and may be given additional food by the farmer. If a pig is injured or sick, the farmer must consider if an appropriate medical treatment is available or if the animal is suitable for transport and human consumption. The farmer also considers whether the pig could be sold or transferred to another production setting where it might grow adequately. If, after careful consideration, euthanasia is deemed to be necessary, it is done in a humane manner without pain or distress. The Pork Checkoff's Swine Welfare Assurance Program (SWAP) and Euthanasia Guidelines offer farmers help in making these decisions.
Q. Why are pigs castrated?
A. Pigs are castrated at a very early age and heal quickly. Male pigs produce hormones that adversely effect meat quality. Castrated pigs are also less aggressive to other pigs and the farmer.
Q. If conditions inside modern barns are so clean, why are pig farmers so secretive? Why are visitors not allowed inside barns?
A. We always welcome the opportunity to tell people how pigs are raised but tours are severely restricted due to herd health concerns. It's like a school classroom - if one gets sick, they all seem to get sick. Restricting access from outsiders substantially reduces the chances of introducing a disease to the pigs. If you are interested in learning more about one of our facilities, please contact Ryan at ryanem@pstdanbred.com.