Site search

Search

Pigs Standards

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.2

Click to view

PW.HF.1 PW.HF.2 PW.HF.2.1 PW.HF.2.3 PW.HF.2.4 PW.HF.3 PW.HF.3.1 PW.HF.3.2 PW.HF.3.3 PW.HF.4 PW.HF.5 PW.HF.6 PW.HF.6.1 PW.HF.6.1.1 PW.HF.6.2 PW.HF.6.4 PW.HF.7 PW.HF.7.1 PW.HF.9 PW.HF.9.1 PW.HF.9.2 PW.HF.9.5 PW.HF.10 PW.HF.11
Glossary

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

R This icon indicates that a record is required.

PW.HF.1 Key

Housing must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for livestock

How you will be measured

PW.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains livestock

PW.HF.1.b

There are no sharp edges, projections or other features presenting a hazard to pigs

PW.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to livestock

PW.HF.1.d

Fenders or similar are used on outdoor farrowing accommodation to prevent very young piglets from straying

PW.HF.2

Facilities must provide a comfortable thermal environment

How you will be measured

PW.HF.2.a

Ventilation minimises high humidity, build-up of odours and maintains a comfortable temperature

PW.HF.2.b

Covered shelter is available to pigs on outdoor sites to protect from weather with sufficient space for all pigs to lie at once

PW.HF.2.c

Facilities are provided on outdoor sites during warm weather to allow pigs to keep cool and minimise risk of sunburn, e.g. wallows, well-ventilated shaded areas

PW.HF.2.1

Contingency measures must be put in place during extreme weather* to minimise impact on pig welfare

*unusually hot or cold weather, wide fluctuations in external temperature, snow, severe wet weather, ventilation failure

How you will be measured

PW.HF.2.1.a

There is a documented Extreme Weather Contingency Plan in place, outlining measures to be taken in relevant situations

PW.HF.2.1.b

The plan is implemented when necessary to minimise heat and cold stress as far as reasonably possible
R

Extreme Weather Contingency Plan

PW.HF.2.3

Where there is insufficient self-ventilation and forced or automatic ventilation is used, there must be an alarm system in place to warn of failure

How you will be measured

PW.HF.2.3.a

Alarm system is tested weekly

PW.HF.2.3.b

A record is kept of alarm system checks
R

Alarm check record

PW.HF.2.4

Back-up provision must be available in case of ventilation failure

PW.HF.3

Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises risk of injury to pigs

How you will be measured

PW.HF.3.a

Flooring is designed and maintained in such a way that pigs do not slip

PW.HF.3.b

There is evidence of ongoing maintenance of flooring and repairs where needed

PW.HF.3.1 Key

Where concrete slatted floors are in use, current UK legislation on slot and beam widths must be adhered to

How you will be measured

PW.HF.3.1.a

Class of pig = Piglets Max. permitted tolerance (mm) = 0 Max. width of slots (mm) = 11 Min. beam width (mm) = 50 Class of pig = Weaners Max. permitted tolerance (mm) = +2 Max. width of slots (mm) = 14 Min. beam width (mm) = 50 Class of pig = Rearing & finishing pigs Max. permitted tolerance (mm) = +3 Max. width of slots (mm) = 18 Min. beam width (mm) = 80 Class of pig = Gilts after service, sows Max. permitted tolerance (mm) = +3 Max. width of slots (mm) = 20 Min. beam width (mm) = 80 Class of pig = Boars Max. permitted tolerance (mm) = +3 Max. width of slots (mm) = 20 Min. beam width (mm) = 80

PW.HF.3.2 Key

All pigs must have access at all times to a solid and bedded lying area (NEW)

How you will be measured

PW.HF.3.2.a

Bedding material is safe, comfortable, absorbent and provides thermal comfort

PW.HF.3.2.b

Bedding is provided in sufficient quantity for comfort and hygiene

PW.HF.3.3 Key

Outdoor access must be provided on a permanent basis (NEW)

How you will be measured

PW.HF.3.3.a

For adult breeding animals during their productive life* and piglets from birth to weaning

PW.HF.4 Key

Conditions must be managed to ensure livestock are able to keep clean

How you will be measured

PW.HF.4.a

Floors are well-drained or maintained with dry bedding

PW.HF.4.b

Pigs have access to a dry lying area

PW.HF.4.c

Where there is evidence pigs are persistently lying dirty, corrective and preventative measures are being implemented

PW.HF.4.d

Surfaces within housing are maintained in a good condition and can be cleaned and disinfected

PW.HF.5

Lighting in housing must allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of livestock

How you will be measured

PW.HF.5.a

Adequate lighting (whether fixed or portable) is available to enable inspection of stock at any time

PW.HF.5.b

During light periods, pigs have access to an area that is lit to an intensity of at least 40 lux at pig head height

PW.HF.5.c

There is a period of at least 8 hours of continuous light per 24 hour period, except where natural daylight period is shorter and where creep lights are used in farrowing pens

PW.HF.5.d

There is a period of at least 6 hours of continuous darkness per 24 hour period (except where natural daylight period is longer resulting in a shorter natural period of darkness)

PW.HF.5.e

Lighting, lighting fixtures and windows are kept clean and well-maintained

PW.HF.6 Key

Growing pigs must be provided with sufficient space

(REVISED)

How you will be measured

PW.HF.6.c

For growing pigs housed indoors, where at least one third of the total area is mucked out at least twice a week, minimum area per pig (m2) is: Average liveweight (kg) = 10, Bedded lying area = 0.10, Total area = 0.15 Average liveweight (kg) = 20, Bedded lying area = 0.15, Total area = 0.225 Average liveweight (kg) = 30, Bedded lying area = 0.20, Total area = 0.30 Average liveweight (kg) = 40, Bedded lying area = 0.26, Total area = 0.40 Average liveweight (kg) = 50, Bedded lying area = 0.31, Total area = 0.47 Average liveweight (kg) = 60, Bedded lying area = 0.36, Total area = 0.55 Average liveweight (kg) = 70, Bedded lying area = 0.41, Total area = 0.61 Average liveweight (kg) = 80, Bedded lying area = 0.45, Total area = 0.675 Average liveweight (kg) = 90, Bedded lying area = 0.475, Total area = 0.715 Average liveweight (kg) = 100, Bedded lying area = 0.50, Total area = 0.75 Average liveweight (kg) = >100, Bedded lying area = 0.53, Total area = 1.00

PW.HF.6.d

For growing pigs in deep litter straw yards, minimum total floor area per pig (m2) is: Average liveweight (kg) = 10.1 - 35, Mucked out at least monthly = 0.45, Bedding topped up but not regularly mucked out = 0.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 35.1 - 50, Mucked out at least monthly = 1.17, Bedding topped up but not regularly mucked out = 1.30 Average liveweight (kg) = 50.1 - 75, Mucked out at least monthly = 1.35, Bedding topped up but not regularly mucked out = 1.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 75.1 - 95, Mucked out at least monthly = 1.50, Bedding topped up but not regularly mucked out = 1.67 Average liveweight (kg) = 95.1 - 110, Mucked out at least monthly = 1.54, Bedding topped up but not regularly mucked out = 1.72

PW.HF.6.e

For growing pigs in outdoor systems, minimum total floor area per pig (m2): Average liveweight (kg) = 10, Bedded lying area = 0.10, Total area = 0.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 20, Bedded lying area = 0.15, Total area = 0.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 30, Bedded lying area = 0.20, Total area = 0.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 35, Bedded lying area = 0.23, Total area = 0.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 40, Bedded lying area = 0.26, Total area = 0.73 Average liveweight (kg) = 50, Bedded lying area = 0.31, Total area = 1.30 Average liveweight (kg) = 60, Bedded lying area = 0.36, Total area = 1.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 70, Bedded lying area = 0.41, Total area = 1.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 75, Bedded lying area = 0.43, Total area = 1.50 Average liveweight (kg) = 80, Bedded lying area = 0.45, Total area = 1.67 Average liveweight (kg) = 90, Bedded lying area = 0.475, Total area = 1.67 Average liveweight (kg) = 95, Bedded lying area = 0.49, Total area = 1.67 Average liveweight (kg) = 100, Bedded lying area = 0.50, Total area = 1.72 Average liveweight (kg) = >110, Bedded lying area = 0.53, Total area = 1.72

PW.HF.6.g

Pigs have enough space to allow all the animals to lie down at the same time

PW.HF.6.1 Key

Breeding pigs must be provided with sufficient space

How you will be measured

PW.HF.6.1.e

Where boar pens are used for natural service, a minimum of 10m2 floor area is provided and pen design allows adequate movement

PW.HF.6.1.f

The total unobstructed floor area available to each gilt after service (first and second parity) and to each mature sow is 2.5m2 and 3.5m2 respectively

PW.HF.6.1.g

Adult boars are provided with a minimum unobstructed floor area of 7.5m2

PW.HF.6.1.h

Stocking density must not exceed 30 adult pigs per hectare

PW.HF.6.1.i

Bedded lying area (shelters) is at least 1m2 for first and second parity animals and 1.5m2 for mature sows

PW.HF.6.1.1

A training area must be used to allow new gilts, sows and boars to become accustomed to electric fences

How you will be measured

PW.HF.6.1.1.a

Used for at least 48 hours

PW.HF.6.2

Tiered cages are not permitted

PW.HF.6.4

Pigs must always be able to see other pigs, except where the pig is isolated for veterinary reasons, or whilst sows/gilts are in farrowing pens

PW.HF.7

Livestock must be kept in appropriate groups (REVISED)

How you will be measured

PW.HF.7.a

Grouped appropriately by size, age, production status

PW.HF.7.b

Sows and gilts are kept in groups, except during the period between 7 days before farrowing and the day on which weaning is completed

PW.HF.7.c

Weaners and rearing pigs are kept in stable groups with as little mixing as possible

PW.HF.7.d

Action is being taken to address any negative impacts of rearing entire males and females together, where present. Demonstrated through either: - splitting pigs by sex* before 50kg liveweight most of the time - sharing with Red Tractor evidence of welfare outcomes (e.g. lameness, skin lesions) and alternative management
R

Letter from Red Tractor indicating evidence has been reviewed and found satisfactory

PW.HF.7.1 Key

Dry sows and gilts must not be held in tethers or routinely kept in stalls

How you will be measured

PW.HF.7.1.a

Sows and gilts are not kept in stalls, except in the following circumstances and for no longer than 4 hours: - when undergoing examinations, tests, treatments or operations for veterinary purposes - during service or artificial insemination - while being fed - for the purpose of marking, weighing or washing - whilst cleaning accommodation - while waiting to be loaded for transportation

PW.HF.9

There must be appropriate facilities for livestock to give birth

How you will be measured

PW.HF.9.a

Farrowing environment is designed such that the sow and her piglets stay clean and dry throughout lactation

PW.HF.9.b

Outdoor farrowing accommodation is sited on level ground (not excessively sloped or very uneven)

PW.HF.9.1

Farrowing accommodation must be of a sufficient size

How you will be measured

PW.HF.9.1.b

An unobstructed area behind the sow or gilt is available for farrowing

PW.HF.9.2

Sows must be moved in to farrowing facilities at an appropriate time (REVISED)

How you will be measured

PW.HF.9.2.b

Sows enter farrowing accommodation at least 3 days prior to their expected farrowing date

PW.HF.9.5

Sows must be given sufficient suitable material* to satisfy nest-building behaviour (REVISED)

How you will be measured

PW.HF.9.5.a

Nesting material* is provided regardless of the slurry system

PW.HF.9.5.b

Nesting material is placed where the sow can easily access it

PW.HF.10

Facilities must be available on-farm that enable the loading and unloading of livestock with minimal stress and risk of injury to livestock

How you will be measured

PW.HF.10.a

Adequate lighting to inspect stock at point of loading

PW.HF.10.b

Structurally sound and stable gates/barriers to prevent livestock escaping

PW.HF.10.c

Facilities are free from sharp edges or other projections which may cause injury to livestock

PW.HF.10.d

If loading ramps are used the angle is not steeper than 20 degrees and risk of slipping is minimised

PW.HF.11

Where pigs are not held in their normal accommodation prior to transport, the area must be managed appropriately (REVISED)

How you will be measured

PW.HF.11.a

Pigs have access to water

PW.HF.11.b

Maximum stocking densities for the enterprise are adhered to for weaners awaiting transport

PW.HF.11.c

All other categories of pigs are stocked appropriately for comfort and thermoregulation

More Standards

Beef & Lamb

Chicken

Crops & Sugar Beet

Dairy

Dairy Goats

Ducks

Fresh Produce

Turkeys
Print this page

Pigs templates, examples & guides

See all
Download all files