88. We endorse the provision in the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 requiring the stockman to inspect pigs thoroughly at least once a day to check they are in a state of well-being. This is a helpful legal minimum. However, we recommend the Welfare Code requires inspection of farrowing sows and piglets at least twice daily.
89. Where sows at the time of farrowing are found to be in difficulty, immediate and effective action must be taken and, where necessary, veterinary advice should be obtained. This is already a requirement of the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 and could usefully be reflected in the Welfare Code which is often more accessible to farmers than the legislation.
90. We recommend the provision of isolation and acclimatisation facilities for replacement breeding stock.
91. We recommend that adequate facilities should be provided to enable pigs to be trained to electric fences and that such fences should be checked at least daily.
92. Where weaner or finishing pigs are kept in outdoor systems, adequate provision should be made to protect pigs from extremes of weather.
93. No pig should be weaned at less than three weeks of age unless there is a justifiable, unexpected reason e.g. "the welfare or health of the dam or piglets would otherwise be adversely affected".
94. We recommend that research is commissioned to establish the age at which pigs are nutritionally, immununologically and psychologically best suited to weaning.
95. Research should be carried out to ascertain the optimum size and design of farrowing huts, including the benefits of insulation, ventilation and ease of management by stockmen.