A lack of clarity from government means pig farmers are investing significant sums in high-welfare, flexible farrowing systems in the dark, according to a leading expert in this area.
Interest in these systems is gaining momentum, with the number of flexible farrowing pens thought to have topped 5,000 out of an estimated 60,000 indoor farrowing places in the UK, at an industry cost of about £35m, with few, if any, conventional crates now being installed.
But according to Tim Miller, environmental specialist with ARM Buildings, pig farmers are having to invest millions of pounds without the guidelines in place regarding the space allowances that might be required under future legislation.
“This lack of guidance is worrying when farmers are investing significant sums to future-proof their businesses,” he said.
The biggest concern is that the space requirements could be subject to alteration. Currently, most flexible systems range from 2.4×2.6m to 2.5x 2.6m, providing 6.24sq m or 6.5sq m of pen area, respectively.
The majority are 6.24sq m, but some farmers are looking at 6.5sq m, partly to align with what is being suggested in Europe, Mr Miller said.
However, having visited many farms using the systems, he has concluded that layout, rather than total area, is most important for sow welfare, particularly for the sow’s freedom of movement and ability to turn round, as well as safe areas for the piglets.
“Some designs leave a ‘dead’ area, so bigger isn’t necessarily better. In my opinion, a well-designed system with a footprint of 6.24sq m can offer all the sow’s requirements,” he said.
He stressed that the moving parts also need to be ‘strong and simple’ and the pens ‘robust’ to cope with the sows.
Another important consideration is staff preferences. “With welfare attracting greater attention, it is clear that this, and the human safety aspect, is becoming a consideration when recruiting new staff,” he said.
Defra position
Farming minister Daniel Zeichner recently confirmed in parliament that the government is planning to bring forward proposals to reform farrowing systems in the UK for consultation, but has not specified a timescale or given any hints on the specifications.
But he stressed the government recognises that farmers will need time and support to adapt to alternative systems.