Recommendations for the On-farm Welfare of Pigs Submission to the Oie by the International Coalition for Animal Welfare

SUBMISSION TO THE OIE BY THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION FOR ANIMAL WELFARE March 2016 Introduction The International Coalition for Animal Welfare (ICFAW) welcomes the decision by the OIE to produce a chapter of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code concerning the on‐farm welfare of pigs. ICFAW’s submission focuses on the health and welfare problems that are associated with industrial production. Globally, at least 55% of pigs are produced industrially and this proportion is likely to increase as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that industrial animal production systems have been growing rapidly. Such systems do not proactively support—or even enable— management of the animals in a way that respects their individual needs, and hinder the performance of normal behaviours to such an extent that welfare is compromised. ICFAW prefers pigs to be reared in well‐designed, well‐managed outdoor systems. However, good welfare can be achieved in many different systems, including indoor, outdoor and free range. Key features of systems that can provide good welfare include ample space, enrichment materials and bedding, shelter, fresh air and good lighting. ICFAW is opposed to the use of tethers and stalls or crates, and works toward an end to painful mutilations and issues like chronic hunger of breeding sows. ICFAW welcomes the emphasis placed by the OIE on welfare outcomes, but believes that the OIE chapters should give equal weight to resource‐ and management‐based inputs, as guidance on how to produce desired outcomes will be helpful to producers. Good inputs, for example regarding housing, space allowance and environmental enrichment, are essential for creating acceptable welfare potential. In addition, good husbandry and management are required for that potential to be