Pigs Standards

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HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES Version 5.2

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PG.HF.1 PG.HF.2 PG.HF.2.1 PG.HF.2.3 PG.HF.2.4 PG.HF.3 PG.HF.3.1 PG.HF.4 PG.HF.5 PG.HF.6 PG.HF.6.1 PG.HF.6.1.1 PG.HF.6.2 PG.HF.6.3 PG.HF.6.4 PG.HF.6.5 PG.HF.7 PG.HF.7.1 PG.HF.9 PG.HF.9.1 PG.HF.9.2 PG.HF.9.3 PG.HF.9.4 PG.HF.9.5 PG.HF.9.6 PG.HF.10 PG.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.

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AIM: Safe, comfortable and hygienic housing for all livestock, including youngstock and those close to giving birth

PG.HF.1 Key

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

How you will be measured

PG.HF.1.a

Housing securely contains livestock

PG.HF.1.b

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

PG.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to livestock

PG.HF.1.d

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

PG.HF.2

Facilities must provide a comfortable thermal environment

How you will be measured

PG.HF.2.a

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

PG.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

PG.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

PG.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

PG.HF.2.1.a

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

PG.HF.2.1.b

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

Extreme Weather Contingency Plan

PG.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

PG.HF.2.3.a

Alarm system is tested weekly

PG.HF.2.3.b

A record is kept of alarm system checks

Alarm check record

PG.HF.2.4

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

PG.HF.3

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

How you will be measured

PG.HF.3.a

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

PG.HF.3.b

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

PG.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

PG.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

PG.HF.4 Key

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

How you will be measured

PG.HF.4.a

Floors are well-drained or maintained with dry bedding

PG.HF.4.b

Pigs have access to a dry lying area

PG.HF.4.c

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

PG.HF.4.d

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

PG.HF.5

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

How you will be measured

PG.HF.5.a

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

PG.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

PG.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

PG.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)

PG.HF.5.e

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

AIM: Housing and grouping should be specific to livestock size and requirements

PG.HF.6 Key

Growing pigs must be provided with sufficient space

(REVISED)

How you will be measured

PG.HF.6.a

The unobstructed floor area available to each growing pig is at least: Average liveweight (kg) = <10, Minimum total floor area per pig (m2) = 0.15 Average liveweight (kg) = 10.1 - 20, Minimum total floor area per pig (m2) = 0.20 Average liveweight (kg) = 20.1 - 30, Minimum total floor area per pig (m2) = 0.30 Average liveweight (kg) = 30.1 - 50, Minimum total floor area per pig (m2) = 0.40 Average liveweight (kg) = 50.1 - 85, Minimum total floor area per pig (m2) = 0.55 Average liveweight (kg) = 85.1 - 110, Minimum total floor area per pig (m2) = 0.65 Average liveweight (kg) = >110, Minimum total floor area per pig (m2) = 1.00

PG.HF.6.g

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

PG.HF.6.1 Key

Breeding pigs must be provided with sufficient space

How you will be measured

PG.HF.6.1.a

Pens used to house a group of sows/gilts have sides longer than 2.8m, except where there are 6 or fewer sows/gilts in which case the sides are no less than 2.4m in length (see Appendix for further guidance)

PG.HF.6.1.b

The total unobstructed floor area available to each gilt after service, and to each sow when gilts and/or sows are kept in groups, is at least 1.64m2 and 2.25m2 respectively

PG.HF.6.1.c

For gilts after service and pregnant sows, a part of the total unobstructed floor area required (at least 0.952m2 per gilt and at least 1.3m2 per sow) is of continuous solid floor of which a maximum of 15% is reserved for drainage openings

PG.HF.6.1.d

Adult boars are provided with a minimum unobstructed floor area of 6m2 for their own use

PG.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

PG.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

PG.HF.6.1.1.a

Used for at least 48 hours

PG.HF.6.2

Tiered cages are not permitted

PG.HF.6.3

Where self-locking individual feeding stalls are used, certain conditions must be met

How you will be measured

PG.HF.6.3.a

They can only be included in usable floor area if they are freely accessible (other than in circumstances outlined in HF.7.1)

PG.HF.6.3.b

There is a separate place where the pigs can lie together as a group

PG.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

PG.HF.6.5

Where a balcony system is installed, it must meet scheme requirements

How you will be measured

PG.HF.6.5.a

The specification in the relevant Appendix is adhered to

PG.HF.7

Livestock must be kept in appropriate groups (REVISED)

How you will be measured

PG.HF.7.a

Grouped appropriately by size, age, production status

PG.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

PG.HF.7.c

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

PG.HF.7.1 Key

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

How you will be measured

PG.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

AIM: Appropriate, well maintained facilities are available for specific activities

PG.HF.9

There must be appropriate facilities for livestock to give birth

How you will be measured

PG.HF.9.a

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

PG.HF.9.b

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

AIM: There are appropriate facilities for farrowing sows and suckling pigs

PG.HF.9.1

Farrowing accommodation must be of a sufficient size

How you will be measured

PG.HF.9.1.a

Where a crate is used the sow can stand up and lie down at full length, but excessive movement is prevented

PG.HF.9.1.b

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

PG.HF.9.2

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

How you will be measured

PG.HF.9.2.a

Sows do not enter farrowing crates more than 7 days prior to their expected farrowing date

PG.HF.9.3

It is recommended that where a temporary crating system is used the farrowing crate is opened-up to allow the sow to turn freely as soon as practicable after farrowing

PG.HF.9.4

Farrowing confinement facilities must only be used for a minimum period

How you will be measured

PG.HF.9.4.a

Post-farrowing, sows may only remain confined in a farrowing crate whilst suckling piglets and for a maximum of 5 weeks, except where individual nurse sows are required to suckle additional piglets

PG.HF.9.4.b

Nurse sows may only be kept in a farrowing crate for a maximum of 8 weeks post-farrowing and only where she: - is in suitable body condition - has no shoulder sores - is showing no evidence of lameness

PG.HF.9.5

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

How you will be measured

PG.HF.9.5.a

Nesting material* is provided regardless of the slurry system

PG.HF.9.5.b

Nesting material is placed where the sow can easily access it

PG.HF.9.5.c

Available during at least the 24 hour period prior to expected farrowing

PG.HF.9.6

Indoor loose farrowing pens must be designed appropriately

How you will be measured

PG.HF.9.6.a

There is sufficient space for the sow to turn around, rise, lie down, nest-build and access feeding and dunging areas without difficulty

PG.HF.9.6.b

Farrowing rails or other means to protect piglets from crushing are in place

AIM: Appropriate facilities are available for loading and unloading of livestock

PG.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

PG.HF.10.a

Adequate lighting to inspect stock at point of loading

PG.HF.10.b

Structurally sound and stable gates/barriers to prevent livestock escaping

PG.HF.10.c

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

PG.HF.10.d

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

AIM: The welfare requirements of outdoor pigs are met

PG.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

PG.HF.11.a

Pigs have access to water

PG.HF.11.b

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

PG.HF.11.c

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

Where to find help

Government guidance on keeping farm animals in extreme weather: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/keeping-farm-animals-and-horses-in-extreme-weather
AHDB factsheets on heat stress:
– https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/heat-stress-indoor-pig-herds (indoor herds)
– https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/heat-stress-outdoor-herds (outdoor herds)
AHDB advice and useful guidance booklet on ventilating pig buildings: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/ventilating-pig-buildings
AHDB guidance on lighting for pig buildings: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/lighting-for-pig-buildings
AHDB guidance booklet – controlled environment for livestock: https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Pork/Documents/Controlled%20Environment%20%20for%20Livestock%20WEB
European Reference Centre for Animal Welfare factsheet on nest building material: https://edepot.wur.nl/516953
AHDB guidance on farrowing environment: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/indoor-farrowing-environment (indoor)

More Standards

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Fresh Produce

Turkeys

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Download the changes to the Pigs Standards from 1 February 2025

Templates, Examples & Guides

Alarm Check Record

Extreme Weather Contingency Plan

Guidance

HF.2.1 – Extreme Weather Contingency Plan is required on all units, including indoor and outdoor set-ups. It can be a standalone document or part of the Veterinary Health Plan.
HF.4 – In exceptional circumstances, it may be acceptable for there to be no dry lying area temporarily, in order to mitigate heat stress, e.g. when misters/sprinklers are used as part of the Extreme Weather Contingency Plan
HF.6.2 – For the purposes of the scheme, a cage is defined as an enclosure of bars and/or wires for keeping animals in. A tiered system, in which pigs are kept in 2 or more levels within the same airspace, is permitted provided the design meets the balcony system specification outlined in HF.6.5 and associated Appendix.
HF.9.3 – The Defra Code of Practice states that temporary crating systems should usually be opened within 4 days of farrowing, unless there is an overriding health or welfare reason to alter this. However, further research and commercial experience is needed to identify the optimum time at which to remove confinement and to develop best practice around these systems.
HF.9.5 – Acceptable nesting material includes, but is not limited to, wood shavings, shredded newspaper, straw, hessian sack/pieces, natural rope (ideally extending to the floor so the sow can push it along the floor).

Appendix

HF.6.1 – Dry sow housing requirements

HF.6.5 – Additional requirements for balcony systems