A pork industry group has proposed some alternatives to the new draft code of welfare for pigs.
An industry leader says it would be safer for sows to be kept in the crates for up to seven days. Photo: AFP
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has drafted a new code of welfare with a number of changes to the way pigs are cared for.
It proposes that piglets be weaned after 28 days but NZ Pork claims most piglets are weaned earlier, because they grow so quickly and become very demanding on the sow.
NAWAC wants to ban farrowing crates or for pigs to spend no longer than 72 hours in a crate after nesting.
NZ Pork chief executive Brent Kleiss said it would be safer for sows to be kept in the crates for up to seven days.
Some of NAWAC's proposals did not provide the best animal welfare outcomes, Kleiss said.
"The main criticism is they don't have good welfare outcomes, despite their intentions," he said.
"When you put in a requirement to remove farrowing crates, which is the equivalent of the maternity ward for piglets, that results in a 6 percent to 8 percent increase in piglet mortality.
"It beggars belief in a lot of ways for farmers, to sort of suggest that you're going to have to change to a system which means more of your animals die.
"The other big aspect is that it's unaffordable and impractical."
Kleiss said there was little point in requiring New Zealand farmers to meet welfare standards far beyond that of their international competitors, because it would force them to push up their prices to recoup their costs.
"It means that New Zealand consumers will just substitute their pork with cheaper imported product, which does not adhere to those standards."
NAWAC is analysing the submissions before it submits a final code of welfare to associate agriculture minister Meka Whaitiri for consideration.
