A flexible system with pig happiness as the starting point
From 2001 to 2003 we have run the project Comfort Class, together with the Dutch society for the protection of animals (Dierenbescherming). It aims to define and put in place housing systems for pigs that are conceived on the basis of the needs of the animals and are, at the same time, economically viable for farmers. The Comfort Class approach takes the demands of the animals as a starting point. At the same time, ways to keep the system profitable are examined.
The Comfort Class approach offers pig farmers building blocks for design of a pig-friendly pen. These building blocks can be applied in the way that suits them and their business best. The big plus is that it is applicable to any existing husbandry system, making it an animal-friendly one. Of course it can also be applied to new designs.
Essentials of Comfort Class
Essential in Comfort Class are the 10 basic welfare needs of the animal, which are defined by observing pig behavior. The production system presents the following characteristics:
- Since pigs are social animals they are never kept alone, but there is room for them to be alone if they want to
- The housing system allows them to express species-specific behavior (like grubbing), explore the surroundings and sniff the ground with sufficient space for movements
- Pigs are free to take care of themselves stretching and scratching
- Food and drink are uninterrupted with an unrestricted access and always delivered in the company
of other pigs
- Since pigs are clean animals, there are distinct areas for eating, resting and defecation
- Pigs are allowed to rest a large part of the time lying together with other pigs in a comfortable area
Passing it on!
With the delivery of the Comfort Class approach, we wanted to offer the sector stepping stones towards a more sustainable pig husbandry. This worked! Since 2006, the Dutch agricultural organisation (LTO) and the Dierenbescherming have been running an experimental pig farm in Raalte (the Netherlands) where monitoring and further development takes place. Comfort Class principles have also been adopted by several pig farmers.
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