NPA publishes position on flexible farrowing

In recent years there has been a growing interest in how we house pigs during farrowing. We have seen numerous campaigns and petitions calling for a ban on ‘cages’, but also more focus on the topic from politicians, and, more recently, the supply chain.

While some of this noise has tried to infer a pig sector that is complacent about sow welfare, the industry has already started to take steps away from conventional farrowing systems.

Research has begun in earnest into flexible farrowing systems and the impact on pre-weaning mortality and other issues. Many producers have already taken the plunge and invested in this infrastructure, which has enabled us to use their commercial experience to form our NPA position.

It is widely agreed that now is the time to start publicly discussing a transition away from conventional farrowing and towards flexible farrowing. Retailers are already able to source product from Europe, which is produced from flexible farrowing systems, we have a new government which will likely look to the EU for examples on how to legislate in this area, and as a sector we are ready to look at ways to improve sow welfare.

This position paper has drawn together producer experience, pricing information and construction knowledge from the Building Suppliers Forum, academic research, the NPA’s Commercial Review of Adaptive Farrowing Systems, AHDB’s economic analysis and member feedback.

It seeks to explain the direction of travel for the industry and to set a blueprint for flexible farrowing systems, including technical specifications and what is required for a successful transition.

Some elements may evolve over time as more research and commercial experience comes to light – it’s clear there is no one-size-fits-all version, so we hope that by providing a sensible framework, we will be allowed to take an industry-led, voluntary approach to farrowing while we work out what is best for the sow, piglets and stock people.

• You can read the NPA’s position paper here: NPA Position Paper Flexible Farrowing Systems

Summary

Here is a summary of the key points:

• A voluntary, industry-led approach rather than legislation
• A transition towards flexible farrowing systems
• A 20-year transition period, during which time new conventional systems cannot be installed – repairs and individual replacements of conventional pens can still be carried out
• A 5.5m2 minimum pen size
• A maximum of 10 days confinement total throughout the entire farrowing and suckling period
• The Building Suppliers Forum (BSF) estimates that it could cost £3,500-£5,000 per sow place to refurbish an existing building with a new system and £5,000-£8,000 for a new building – this does not include planning or any other associated costs
• The BSF also estimates that the current capacity of the building industry would require 15 years to transition all units from conventional to flexible farrowing – this does not include lengthy planning and permitting processes which on average take an additional 1.5-2 years
• Current planning restrictions mean that planning reform would be required to allow all producers to adapt or build new farrowing accommodation
• Our position focuses on worker safety and the need for everyone using these systems to have adequate training, as well as allowing for periods of trial and error as there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to management
• There is no scientific consensus so far on the optimum number of days to confine the sow for piglet mortality, and whether it is better to release a room of sows all at once or individually after a set number of days post-farrow
• This transition must be supported by the market and by infrastructure grants in order to make it viable for producers and not push businesses out of pig production.