The onus is on the pig keeper to record all movements either on or off the premises in the movement book. The pig keeper also has to record all medicines and their batch numbers given to the pigs
Tail docking
This is not advised and is permitted only on a written order from a veterinary surgeon that it needs to be performed on disease control grounds, for a limited period, until the situation is brought under control
Teeth clipping
This is no longer advised unless there is a specific problem. It should not be encouraged long term
Castration
This is not advised in a commercial situation. In a specific niche market where late maturing pig breeds are being kept, chemical castration should be considered (see Chapter 5, p. 48). Castration is advised only in pet pigs. In that situation the operation should be performed as early as possible at approximately 2 weeks of age
Prophylactic antibiotics
These are now banned in the EU and should be strongly discouraged in other areas of the world
Segregation of incoming pigs Welfare
This should be mandatory with as long an isolation period as possible
A single person should be delegated as welfare officer. Any breaches of welfare standards should be recorded and new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be implemented as soon as possible
Regular inspection of pigs
Obligatory twice daily. More frequent inspections are required for parturient animals
Medicine record book
Obligatory
Knowledge of broken needle protocol
This should be available in writing (see below)
Withdrawal periods for medicines
These must be recorded for all medicines in the medicine record book. It should be remembered that any medicine used off licence has a meat withhold of 28 days
Records of births and deaths
This is strongly advised
Feed storage conditions
These should be checked weekly
Use of sticks, pipes or electric goads
Banned
Condition of structures and fittings
No sharp or broken gates or metal coverings
Condition of floors and bedding
Concrete to be checked monthly, bedding always to be adequate
Cleansing policy
A written good hygiene policy should always be followed
Temperature and ventilation
Adequate for each class of pig and able to be altered with extremes of weather conditions
Lighting
Adequate. Pigs must not live in darkness
Alarms
These are required only if there is mechanical temperature control practised. Smoke alarms are recommended
Pest control
Pigs must be kept vermin free. Bait must be protected from the pigs
Waste control
No excessive build-up of dung, particularly slurry
Water supply
This must be reliable even in severe frost
Piglet creep environment
This must be warm enough (see Housing section above)
Pig condition score
Pigs must not be too thin or obese. This is particularly relevant to pet pigs
Pig groups
Stability is important (practitioners should look for evidence of fighting)
Stocking density
Area must be sufficient for the number and size (see Housing section above)
Feeding space
Must be adequate (see Housing section above)
Level of antisocial behaviour and vice
Needs to be assessed with sympathy for the pigs and the pig keeper
Treatment of sick pigs
Must be prompt with the ability to move into separate pens
Provision for euthanasia
This should be a written policy with veterinary involvement (see Chapter 6)
Drainage and land suitability
This is particularly important with outdoor pigs. The whole area occupied by the pigs should be checked visually
Standard and positioning of accommodation
This should be visually assessed
Electric fence training and acclimatization
This is relevant to outdoor pigs. Pig keepers should be educated
Wallows and shade
This is relevant to outdoor pigs and should be visually assessed
Nose ringing practice
This is no longer acceptable as it contravenes one of the five welfare freedoms
Weaning environment
This is one of the most stressful events in a pig’s life. The environment should be visually appraised
Rotation of farrowing accommodation and location
Hygiene and education regarding straw burning
Fig. 1.22. Pigs at shows are a danger to the public.
Carcass disposal
Carcass disposal has to be regulated to fit in with current regulations and legislation. With small operations it would be suggested that disposal would be similar to domestic pets. However, with a larger operation and a larger number of pigs, a commercial carcass collector should be employed. His location and telephone number should be obtained before the need arises.
Legal requirements
Pet pigs are treated by DEFRA the same as commercial pigs. The owner is required to be registered with DEFRA and have a holding number.
