Friday, 04 December 2015 10:59

New welfare standards in pig farming

Written by Rural News Group

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New welfare standards came into effect in pig farming yesterday, meaning sows and gilts must not be confined in stalls during pregnancy.

A gilt is a young female, generally under 12 months. The use of mating stalls for service is permitted, for no longer than one week. New Zealand is one of very few countries in the world operating to this standard.

NZPork has put in place a traceability system so that consumers can be sure the pork they are purchasing meets these requirements.

Compliance with the Code of Welfare is a requirement for PigCare accreditation, and only pork from PigCare accredited farms is eligible for labelling as 100% New Zealand pork (or ham or bacon). This is confirmed by traceability of pork from PigCare accredited farm to wholesaler, and through the supply chain to finished labelled product.

By purchasing 100% New Zealand pork (or ham or bacon) PigCare accredited, consumers can be sure they are purchasing pork from animals born in New Zealand and raised according to New Zealand's animal welfare requirements.

Imported pork, ham and bacon does not have to meet these requirements nor is it PigCare accredited.

For more information on PigCare and animal welfare check out http://www.nzpork.co.nz/pigcare-and-animal-welfare

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