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HUSBANDRY PROCEDURES

Version 5.1

Click to view all HUSBANDRY PROCEDURES

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.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

HUSBANDRY PROCEDURES

PG.HP.1

Standards

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.
  • Record(s) of persons that perform husbandry procedures
  • VHP

PG.HP.2 Key

Standards

Surgical castration is not permitted. (Revised)

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.

Processor permission

PG.HP.3

Standards

Where tail docking is carried out, there must be documented evidence in place to justify the need. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PG.HP.3.a

Tail docking is only carried out as a last resort under 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)
  • QVRs
  • Documented veterinary review of risk of tail biting and need for docking

PG.HP.3.1 Key

Standards

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

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.
  • Documented risk assessment
  • Documented action plan

PG.HP.3.2

Standards

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.

List of those deemed competent in VHP

PG.HP.4

Standards

Routine teeth reduction is not permitted. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PG.HP.4.a

Tooth reduction is only carried out as a last resort under 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)
  • QVRs
  • Documented veterinary review justifying need for tooth reduction

PG.HP.4.1

Standards

Teeth reduction is carried out appropriately. (Revised)

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.

List of those deemed competent in VHP

PG.HP.5

Standards

Nose ringing must only be carried out by demonstrably competent persons. (Revised)

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.

List of those deemed competent in VHP

PG.HP.5.1

Standards

Nose-ringing may only be carried out in accordance with the Scheme requirements. (Revised)

How you will be measured

PG.HP.5.1.a

Only sows 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.

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