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Pigs Standards

Husbandry Procedures Version 5.2

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PG.HP.1 PG.HP.2 PG.HP.3 PG.HP.3.1 PG.HP.3.2 PG.HP.4 PG.HP.4.1 PG.HP.4.2 PG.HP.5 PG.HP.5.1
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.

PG.HP.1

Husbandry procedures must be carried out appropriately
(REVISED)

How you will be measured

PG.HP.1.a

Ear tagging/notching, slapmarking, tattooing and tusk trimming are only performed by demonstrably competent persons

PG.HP.1.b

Records are kept of the persons who perform specific husbandry procedures

PG.HP.1.c

Only husbandry procedures detailed in the VHP are carried out

PG.HP.1.d

Procedures other than those specifically listed in the Red Tractor Pigs Scheme* are only carried out under veterinary direction, details of which are outlined in the VHP

PG.HP.1.e

Multiple notching is only carried out as a last resort in pedigree breeding where pig colouring prevents the use of tattooing. Otherwise, only a single ear notch is permitted (1 notch in 1 ear)

PG.HP.1.f

Ear notching is only carried out on pigs up to 7 days of age
R
  • Record(s) of persons that perform husbandry procedures
  • VHP

PG.HP.2 Key

Surgical castration is not permitted

How you will be measured

PG.HP.2.a

Use of immunological products that temporarily suppress testicular function is permitted, but only upon receipt of permission in writing from the member’s processor customers
R

Processor permission

PG.HP.3

Routine tail docking is prohibited. Where tail docking is carried out in exceptional circumstances as a last resort under veterinary direction, there must be documented evidence in place to justify the need

How you will be measured

PG.HP.3.a

Tail docking is carried out only as a last resort with written veterinary approval, given on at least a quarterly basis via the QVR

PG.HP.3.b

Veterinary approval for tail docking is supported by a written review, conducted on a quarterly basis, taking into account: - farm-specific risks - measures undertaken to minimise risk of biting (other than docking) - records of tail biting (may be documented separately)
R
  • QVRs
  • Documented veterinary review of risk of tail biting and need for docking

PG.HP.3.1 Key

Measures must be in place on all units to minimise risk of tail biting and avoid the need for tail docking

How you will be measured

PG.HP.3.1.a

A risk assessment is carried out to identify farm-specific risk factors for tail biting on the unit

PG.HP.3.1.b

Risk assessment is carried out at least annually

PG.HP.3.1.c

Where tail-docked pigs are being reared an action plan outlining measures to be implemented to minimise risk of tail biting and need for docking is in place, including timescales for implementation

PG.HP.3.1.d

The action plan is being implemented
R
  • Documented risk assessment
  • Documented action plan

PG.HP.3.2

Tail docking is carried out appropriately (REVISED)

How you will be measured

PG.HP.3.2.a

Only persons deemed competent to by a vet perform tail docking, unless supervised by a trained and competent person

PG.HP.3.2.b

Only carried out on pigs up to 72 hours old

PG.HP.3.2.c

Tails are docked to a uniform length

PG.HP.3.2.d

Equipment is cleaned and disinfected between each litter of pigs

PG.HP.3.2.e

Equipment is different to that used to carry out teeth reduction

PG.HP.3.2.f

Only the minimum amount of tail is removed that is necessary to effectively limit tail biting, as discussed and agreed with the designated vet
R

List of those deemed competent in VHP

PG.HP.4

Routine teeth reduction is prohibited

How you will be measured

PG.HP.4.a

Tooth reduction is carried out only as a last resort with written veterinary approval, given on at least a quarterly basis via the QVR

PG.HP.4.b

Veterinary approval for tooth reduction is supported by a written review, conducted on a quarterly basis, taking into account: - records of facial scarring and udder damage (may be documented separately)
R
  • QVRs
  • Documented veterinary review justifying need for tooth reduction

PG.HP.4.1

Teeth reduction must be carried out appropriately

How you will be measured

PG.HP.4.1.a

Only persons deemed competent to by a vet perform teeth reduction, unless supervised by a trained and competent person

PG.HP.4.1.b

Only carried out on pigs up to 72 hours old

PG.HP.4.1.c

A smooth intact surface is left and the pulp cavity is not exposed

PG.HP.4.1.d

Equipment is cleaned and disinfected between each litter of pigs
R

List of those deemed competent in VHP

PG.HP.4.2

It is recommended to grind rather than clip teeth (NEW)

PG.HP.5

Nose ringing must only be carried out by demonstrably competent persons

How you will be measured

PG.HP.5.a

Only persons deemed competent to by a vet carry out nose-ringing, unless supervised by a trained and competent person
R

List of those deemed competent in VHP

PG.HP.5.1

Nose-ringing may only be carried out in accordance with the Scheme requirements

How you will be measured

PG.HP.5.1.a

Only breeding animals with access to paddocks (for all or some of the production cycle) may be ringed

PG.HP.5.1.b

Only a single septum ring is permitted. Disc rings (also known as “clip” or “boss” rings) are not permitted

PG.HP.5.1.c

Nose ringing is only carried out to prevent damage to paddocks and/or protect pig welfare
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Persons that perform husbandry procedures 

Guidance

HP.1 – *Husbandry procedures referenced in the Red Tractor Pigs Scheme are as follows: ear tagging/notching, slapmarking, tattooing, tusk trimming, tail docking, teeth reduction and nose-ringing.
‘Under veterinary direction’ means that the veterinary surgeon instructs the farmer/stockperson as to the task(s) to be performed, but is not necessarily present when it is carried out. A person is considered “competent” when they can demonstrate they understand the tasks they are required to do and how to undertake them correctly, e.g. how to use equipment

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