Better Pork - June 2016

45 / 56

Better Pork June 2016 45
tail-biting and tail-docking as per the
NFACC are:
n “In order to prevent or control
instances of tail-biting, investigate all
aspects of the environment, feeding,
and management practices to identify
contributing factors where tail-biting
is a problem, so that remedial action
can be taken,
n “Provide rooting substrate twice daily
to weaned pigs to prevent tail-biting
n “Perform tail-docking, when deemed
necessary, on piglets as early as
possible, preferably between 24 to
72 hours of age, to a length that as a
minimum, covers the anus,
n “Use analgesics to control pain when
docking tails on piglets,
n “Do not leave tails intact as a means
of identifying pigs.”
Ontario Pork is reminding producers
that these new requirements could impact
barn management and the time it takes
for administering analgesics and that
producers may also incur costs for pain
relievers.
Other changes to the Pig Code are on
their way in the future.
As of July 1, 2024, for example,
mated gilts and sows must be housed
in groups, individual pens, or in stalls if
they are provided with the opportunity
to turn around or exercise periodically;
boars must be housed individually or
in stalls if they are able to exercise
periodically.
The Code has earmarked July 1,
2019 as the deadline for stakeholders to
clarify suitable options. BP
Diego Flammini is assistant editor, North
American content at .
LEGISLATION