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Pig Standards

RSPCA Assured Standards	Welfare comparison for pigs	Red Tractor Standards
	Farrowing Crates & Nesting
Farrowing crates, which confine and restrict the movement of sows while giving birth and suckling their piglets, are never permitted, and a specified amount of space must be provided for sows to build nests for their young along with bedding and enrichment materials.		Sows can be kept in farrowing crates from seven days before giving birth until five weeks after farrowing, or eight weeks in the case of foster sows who are suckling additional piglets. Provision of nesting material, though not bedding, is required but amount and type are not specified.
	Husbandry
Tail docking, teeth clipping and nose ringing are not permitted other than under exceptional circumstances to avoid other welfare problems after alternative solutions have been unsuccessful and only on veterinary advice and with RSPCA permission.		Tail docking and teeth reduction can be carried out on a farm with documented justification and veterinary approval. Nose ringing is permitted if undertaken to avoid other welfare problems.
	Comfortable Environment
Bedding such as dry straw and a solid-floored sleeping area providing a specified amount of space per pig must be provided for the pig's comfort and wellbeing.		Fully slatted flooring is permitted to maintain cleanliness. Bedding material is not mandatory.
	Space to Feed & Drink
Feeder space is specified along with requirements that help to reduce competition and bullying at feeding time, to enable each pig to feed without interference. Drinking space is specified along with water flow rates to allow easy and permanent access.		Drinking space though not water flow or drinking systems is specified.
	Space to Move Freely
Floor space is often above, and stocking density below, legal requirements to enable all pigs to move around freely.		The minimum legal space requirements are observed.
	Enrichment Materials
Pigs must have access to suitable enrichment items at all times, that allow them to express natural behaviours such as rooting and chewing.		Provision of enrichment materials is in line with the legal minimum requirements.
	Stock-keeper Training
Animal welfare and animal handling training must be completed by all stockkeepers before they are given animal handling responsibilities. Training records must be kept.		Stock-keepers must be trained and their competency monitored and recorded.
	Livestock Markets
RSPCA Assured labelled products must be traceable from birth to slaughter and cannot come from pigs bought or sold at livestock markets.		Livestock markets are permitted in line with the requirements of the Red Tractor standards for livestock markets and collection centres.