25. We have considered the welfare of pigs kept in outdoor units against the ideals listed in the five freedoms (paragraph 7). We conclude that outdoor pig keeping can achieve the objectives of the five freedoms but is particularly susceptible to variations in management, stockmanship, climate and site suitability. All these factors are dealt with in detail in this report.
26. Pigs can be provided with freedom from hunger and thirst through proper management and stockmanship which ensure that adequate food and water are available daily and are distributed in a manner which minimises competition. Account should be taken of climatic conditions, for example the possibility of cold winter weather which could cause water to freeze.
27. Freedom from discomfort can be achieved through the provision of appropriate shelter (e.g. huts) which should keep the pigs comfortable in all weather conditions. This shelter should include a comfortable, dry resting area, be free from draughts and should be properly maintained.
28. If the pigs are to be free from pain, injury and disease it is essential that the herd is adequately managed, inspected at least daily and equipment is properly maintained. Action must be taken promptly to respond to any problems discovered. There may be short-term pain caused by management procedures such as tagging but long-term pain should be avoidable.
29. Pigs kept outdoors have a great deal of freedom to express normal behaviour , although those which are nose-ringed are denied the freedom to root. Provision of straw or other suitable bedding material will encourage nesting.
30. Freedom from fear and distress is seldom completely achieved in any farming system and there are times when fear stimulates avoidance action by animals. Stockmen can minimise fear and distress by careful supervision and responding to problems during, for example, feeding, mixing and handling.
31. We believe that outdoor pig-keeping has the potential to provide all the conditions required for good welfare. However, the achievement of these conditions is dependent on high stockmanship, good management, site selection and the right choice of stock (see paragraph 148). Even if these are right, in order to achieve acceptable standards of welfare, all pigs kept outdoors
must
be provided with:
32. We describe below how these may be achieved and discuss several important welfare issues which must be considered.