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The animal welfare and farm animal husbandry ordinance, which was passed in July, was supplemented today in the Federal Council by setting a minimum area requirement for farrowing pens. This eliminates uncertainties about the size of the farrowing pen, which was inadvertently not included in the last resolution on the regulation.
"A farrowing pen in which the gilts or sows can move freely must have a floor area of at least six and a half square meters and must allow the gilts or sows to turn around unhindered. A farrowing crate must also be designed in such a way that there is sufficient freedom of movement behind the resting area of the gilts or sows for unhindered farrowing and obstetric measures".
"With the seventh amendment to the animal welfare and livestock husbandry ordinance, the maximum period that sow movement can be restricted was reduced to five days (for the period one week prior to the expected farrowing date to weaning of the piglets). More space is required for keeping free-moving sows with piglets in the farrowing pen than with continuous restriction of sow movement in the pen. Previous experience with exercise pens in other countries and in studies has shown that a minimum pen area of six and a half square meters is a suitable compromise between economic considerations and the need to ensure animal welfare. Sufficient space is especially necessary so that the sow can exercise a minimum amount and that the piglets can evade the sow. In addition, facilities such as the crate stall, the resting area for the piglets, and the feed and drinking trough must be arranged sensibly. "
September 21, 2020/ 333 Staff with information from the German Federal Council.
