The forthcoming partial ban on sow stalls in the
European Union going into effect on January 1, 2013, could provide a boost in
sales for pig breeders with gilts that are already well adapted to the new group
housing system, which has been in operation in the UK for more than a decade, according to some companies.
International pig genetics company ACMC said it is expecting sales
of its AC1 gilt and grandparent stock to increase substantially in 2013 after
the new welfare codes come into force in mainland Europe. “The UK banned sow
stalls over a decade ago and many British producers had difficulty adapting to
the new system because of fighting, bullying and general aggression among their
sows,” said Matthew Curtis, managing director of ACMC. “However, it’s been found
that the quiet temperament of the AC1 gilt — which contains genes from the
docile and prolific Chinese Meishan breed — means it is well adapted to this
system and we have found them easier to mix in group systems than traditional
breeds, so they suffer less stress which results in reduced fetal deaths and
abortions."
Curtis said that this ability to perform under group-housing systems has
already been borne out on mainland Europe, where a 1,000-sow herd belonging to
the Taroncher brothers — who farm near Valencia in Spain — are weaning 32.5 pigs
per sow per year. The farm is already fully compliant with the new regulations.
“It has been suggested that there is increasing interest in selecting pigs for
behavioral traits," said Curtis. "Less aggressive finishing pigs convert their
feed better because their energy is diverted to growth rather than
fighting."
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