§ Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what improvements were made in the traditional far rowing gate during its 30 years existence before the introduction of the Protect a system.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThere is no standard design of farrowing crate and many types of crate have been developed over the years. Acceptable versions are described in the Ministry's advisory publications.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proper management is necessary to make the Protecta system of sow management conform to the Codes of Practice.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThere is no feature of the Protecta system as used in this country which is contrary to the recommendations of the welfare code for pigs; but regular and careful supervision, such as the code recommends, is needed to ensure that the collar to which the tether is attached is properly adjusted and is not causing injury to the sow.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foot what, under his Codes of Practice, he considers to be the maximum period in which sows are to be confined in the Protecta system without being allowed out to exercise themselves; and what is the minimum period that should be allowed during which they have freedom of movement before being returned to the Protecta and tethered.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThe welfare codes do not specify periods for which an animal should be housed in a particular way or kept out of any particular system of housing. These are questions of good stockmanship and the Codes emphasise that this is of prime importance.