Editorial - End in Sight to Surgical Castration of EU Pigs

Stakeholders in the European Union pig meat chain have agreed on a plan to voluntarily end the surgical castration of pigs in Europe by 1 January 2018. The Declaration is the first of its kind at EU level for animal welfare.

As a first step, from 1 January 2012, surgical castration of pigs – if carried out – will be performed only with prolonged analgesia and/or anaesthesia.

The parties have signed a European Declaration on alternatives to surgical castration of pigs, which sets the basis for the voluntary cooperation between the stakeholders. Surgical castration of pigs is an animal welfare concern. Castration is practised to avoid undesirable sexual or aggressive behaviour and the development of boar taint, the odour or taste that can be evident during the cooking of pork from uncastrated boars. Different alternatives to the procedure are already being applied in the EU and elsewhere.

In the US, the FDA has published its '2009 Summary Report on Antimicrobials Sold or Distributed for Use in Food-Producing Animals'.

The Union of Concerned Scientists commented that the report confirms what that organisation had been saying for years: that American livestock and poultry producers are using massive amounts of antimicrobial drugs. The National Pork Producers Council countered that the amounts are not 'massive' and that ionophores – which are not used in human medicine – accounted for almost 30 per cent of the total.

In an interesting new development, researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark have developed genetic tests to predict an individual animal's response to medication, for which they have won a national innovation prize.

Because of the Christmas holidays, there will be no newsletter next week or on 3 January. The next one will be sent out to you on Tuesday 4 January.

We would like to send the many visitors and supporters of ThePigSite warmest seasonal greetings and good wishes for 2011.

Jackie Linden

	Pig Production: Biological Principles and Applications This one of a kind book covers the basics in pig biology from genetics, reproduction, nutrition and growth, to timely and current discussions on human resource management and social farming issues. Order Now Online
	Welfare of Pigs - From birth to slaughter The current scientific literature contains reviews and articles on specific aspects of pig production and farm animal welfare. This book is intended to be a reference text that covers all aspects of pig production, on the basis of scientific results. Order Now Online

This Week's Feature Articles

Company News

ACMC Reports Gains in Spain
SPAIN - Two major awards for pig performance have been achieved by British breeding stock in Spain.

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New Big Dutchman Representative Office in HCM City
VIET NAM - Big Dutchman is pleased to announce the opening of its representative office in the Ho Chi Minh City.

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Early Winter Boosts Need to Counter Enteric Disease
UK - With dysentery at its highest level for many years, Pfizer Animal Health is launching a new campaign to help increase awareness of the benefits of selecting the best prevention and treatment options.

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Hinode Bussan Agent for TOPIGS in Japan
JAPAN - Hinode Bussan has been appointed as agent for TOPIGS in Japan.

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VIV Asia 2011 Focuses on Technology
THAILAND - Technology will be a highlight at VIV Asia 2011 which will take place during on 9 to 11 March 2011 at BITEC, Bangkok.

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Global Pig Industry News

Korea, South

 » FMD NEWS: More Cattle and Swine Hit by FMD

United States

 » Pork Commentary: Hog Markets Tread Water
 » Need to Re-Think Campy Antibiotic Resistance
 » Weekly Outlook: January Important for Crop Prices
 » Veterinary Pathologist Receives Hovde Award
 » AMI 2010 Meat and Poultry Facts Now Available
 » Weekly Roberts Report
 » CME: Beef Exports Up, Pork Exports Down in October
 » CDC: 1 in 6 Sick from Foodborne Illnesses Each Year
 » CME: USDA's Forecast for 2011 Meat Supplies
 » FDA Report Has Data on Antibiotics Sold, Not Used
 » FASS Webinar on Antibiotics Available On-Line
 » October Exceptionally Strong for Beef, Pork Exports
 » FDA Publishes Report on Antibiotic Use
 » Antimicrobial Use in US Livestock, Poultry 'Massive'
 » Smithfield Investigates HSUS Allegation
 » American Humane Appoints Croney to Committee
 » Market Preview: Understanding Hog Price Reports
 » November Retail Pork Prices Down from October

European Union

 » EU Pig Prices: Early Time for Giving
 » Pig Welfare Takes Major Step Forward
 » Voluntary End to Surgical Castration of Piglets by 2018
 » EFSA: No Extra Authorisation for Additives in Water

Canada

 » Animal Welfare Not Necessarily Legislation-Ensured
 » Producers Encouraged to Participate in PRRS Project
 » Confidence in Needle-Free Injection Builds Up
 » Pork Industry Targets 48-Hour Movement Reporting
 » Social Aspects and Feeding Systems Play Key Role
 » Feed Cost Advantage for Hog Producers

United Kingdom

 » NFU Responds to Govt Animal Health Plans
 » Independent Report on Animal Health Published
 » BPEX Supports Aims of Animal Disease Report
 » UK Slaughter Statistics - December 2010
 » RSPCA Urges Cooks to 'Think Pig' This Christmas
 » VLA Publishes Update on Leptospirosis
 » Real Welfare Indicators for Pigs
 » Northern Irish Pig Sector Moving Towards Crisis

China

 » New Facilities, Expansion of Zhongpin's Changge Site
 » Danish Breeding Pig Farm Set up in China
 » Tianli Agritech, Inc. Acquires Tenth Hog Farm
 » Market State Pork Reserves to Ensure Supplies

Spain

 » Abstracts Now Welcome for Disease Symposium

General

 » China Focuses on Raising Veterinary Standards

Colombia

 » Reduced Tariffs on DDGS Spell Opportunity for US
 » Urgency to Ratify FTA Highlighted at USGC Trip

Denmark

 » Vaarst Appointed to Animal Ethics Council
 » Aarhus Wins Prize for Genetic Pre-Medication Tests

Ireland

 » Pork and Bacon Cuts Give Pork Farmers More

Germany

 » BfR Urges Restraint in Antibiotic Use

Thailand

 » Soy Duty Cut Ahead to Reduce Food Prices

Costa Rica

 » Pork Consumption Increase Encourages Agri Sector

Australia

 » NSW Pork Producers Give Generously to the Salvos



That's all for this week!

Ed.