Welfare issues for pigs
The pregnant pig kept in sow stalls for the whole duration of their pregnancy.
Pigs are naturally curious animals who spend much time exploring their environment and searching for food.Nonetheless, many pigs around the world in farms are kept in cages, with a majority never being allowed to venture outside of their cage.
We often see pictures on the internet of pregnant pigs kept in sow stalls for the whole duration of their pregnancy.
A sow stall is a very narrow metal cage that limits a pig’s movements, only allowing it to stand up and lie down with much struggle. As a result, they suffer from boredom and frustration. Fortunately, such practices are banned in some countries like the UK and Sweden
They travel badly and are easily stressed by transport and pre-slaughter handling.
Another major issue is transportation.
Commercially reared pigs travel badly and are easily stressed by transport and pre-slaughter handling.
They do not have sweat glands and are particularly susceptible to heat stress during transport.
Hence, many pigs die as a result of such neglect.
Free-range pigs
It is normal for pig that they explore their environment and searching for food.
Fortunately, many farms around the world are starting to deal with such issues.
With free-range pig farming, they produce high-quality meat. It is not uncommon to see pigs kept outdoors all the time with access to shelter that has suitable bedding provided.
These farms avoid the usage of chemical substances and beta-agonist medications. The special features of said farms was designed based on natural behaviors of pigs; such as including meadows, ponds, and indoor pig corrals into their layout.
The pigs are capable of living and eating freely, soaking to deal with the heat, exercising within these free-range farms in order to gain nutrients naturally. Grass fiber also help to strengthen the animal’s health and they become more resistant to diseases.
At Sloane’s
Our pork comes from Thailand’s best high welfare farms. All the farms we work with are either free-range or permaculture farm,
all offering a good life for the pigs. We focus on ethical farming practices and the farms have shaded areas for the animals to escape
the Thai heat during the day. We avoid to use any antibiotics unless strictly necessary.
Although we want to make sure our pigs have the best life, we also believe a happy pig makes the best pork.
