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The new, user-friendly code covers stockmanship, handling, health, housing and feed and water.

The pig welfare code provides guidance on the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003 No 299), which have also been approved by Parliament and come into force today (Fri).

The launch of the code follows similar publications on sheep in 2000 and meat chickens and laying hens in 2002.

Animal Welfare Minister Elliot Morley said the code would help boost welfare throughout the pig industry. "The new code is not onerous for pig farmers, but is there to help stockmen care for their animals. It is a positive force for improving the welfare of pigs."

The new Regulations implement two pig welfare directives. The directives introduce an EU-wide ban on close confinement sow stalls, with full effect from 1 January 2013. Under UK legislation, such sow stalls were banned from the beginning of 1999.

The key provisions of the new Regulations are:

• all pigs to have permanent access to manipulable materials
• an increase in the minimum weaning age from 21 to 28 days
• minimum space allowances for sows and gilts

For more details on the Welfare Code - Click Here

Source:DEFRA - 14th February 2003