Monday, June 17, 2013

Dutch will try to end tail docking




Dutch hog farmers have promised to try ending the practice of tail docking.

Dutch Union of Pig Producers (NVV) and the Dutch Agri & Horticultural Organization (LTO) say they aim to end tail tocking in the long term, step by step, and on the condition that it can be done responsibly.

The initiative is supported by companies, institutes and organizations such as feed supplier Coppens, breeding company Topigs, the Royal Netherlands Veterinary Association, retailer Vion, the Dutch animal welfare organization Dierenbescherming Wageningen University & Research Centre.

Those signing the declaration aim to research solutions against tail biting in existing barns and in affordable novel housing concepts.

There are differences of opinion among Dutch farmers about loose housing.

Pork packers discount hogs who have infected tails or stubs and there is no bonus for marketing hogs whose tails have not been docked.

There is an agreement that any additional costs involved with giving up tail docking will be shared across the supply chain.

There is an estimate that there is an incidence of about two per cent of tail biting in the industry and that it costs farmers about two million Euros per year.

Factors that might reduce tail biting are believed to be genetics, feeding, climate and distraction material.

The Dutch intend to ban castration by Jan. 1, 2015.