Summary:<\/p>\n
Powerpoint outlining new guidelines that came into place as of July 2016 regarding pain\u00a0managment and enrichment<\/p>\n
PAIN MANAGEMENT<\/p>\n
As of July 1st 2016: Castration performed at any age must be done with analgesics to help control post-procedure pain, while castration performed after 10 days of age must be done with anesthetic and analgesic to control pain.<\/p>\n
Pain control is now required at castration and tail docking<\/p>\n
Brown also outlines several options avoiding castration focusing on\u00a0Improvest an immunocastration method approved in Canada that requires approval for slaughter by individual packers\u00a0as they must monitor for boar taint.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The other option to avoid castration discussed is slaughtering males early before sexual maturation to avoid castration and boar taint.<\/p>\n
ENRICHMENT<\/p>\n
\u201cPigs must be provided with multiple forms of enrichment that aim to improve the welfare of the animals through the enhancement of their physical and social environments\u201d<\/p>\n
The purpose of enrichment is<\/p>\n
Increase the number and range of normal behaviours
\nPrevent, or reduce the severity, of abnormal behaviours
\nIncrease positive utilization of the environment (e.g. use of space)
\nIncrease the ability to cope with behavioural and physiological challenges<\/p>\n
While different enrichment’s are discussed Brown notes that pigs seemed to prefer the tray feeders\u00a0over the enrichment’s as they could preform rooting behaviour.<\/p>\n