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 5 Pigs |
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PigsThe outdoor pig herd includes 30 saddleback sows which are crossed with a Duroc boar. The pigs are carefully managed to allow them to follow their natural behaviour. They live outside with mobile pig 'arks' for shelter and are regularly moved on to fresh pasture. The pigs are provided with water and muddy areas which they can wallow in. When piglets are weaned at eight weeks they are given a field of their own, which reduces stress for the mother, and allows the sow to return to her reproductive cycle. The farm is beginning trials with compost-filled tractor tyres for pigs
to rummage through. It is also trying self-medication with garlic and
essential oils on rubbing brushes to help animal health. |
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DID YOU KNOW? Organic farming standards outlaw a number of practices found in factory-farmed pigs. Factory-type farming has aimed to produce food at the lowest cost. These cost savings often have an impact on animal welfare. Examples include: - Battery hens being kept in individual cages with a floor space no bigger than a sheet of A4 paper. - Cattle (which naturally eat grass) being fed animal-based feed to improve production. This led to BSE or 'mad cow disease'. - Pigs having their tails docked and rings put in their noses (to prevent them rooting the food). |
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