How long will restrictive gestation stalls for housing pregnant pigs continue to be allowed in Canada? Can feeding sows Omega-3 fatty acids improve piglet health and welfare? This month’s issue of FarmSense searches for the answers.
In this issue you will also have the chance to meet BC SPCA farm department staff and, as always, learn about where to find new SPCA Certified foods. Interested? Then read on!
Sincerely,
Brandy, Alyssa and Geoff The BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare Team
PS. You can help spread awareness about the BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare department and our many programs. Forward this email to friends and colleagues.
Feature story
Sow confinement: When will it become a thing of the past?
Over the past half-century restrictive gestation stall housing for pregnant sows has been the norm, but today there is growing concern for the welfare of sows in such systems. Many countries have responded by implementing bans on the use of gestation stalls in pig production. The response from consumers has been an increased demand for pork grown in alternative (group housing) systems.
Where does Canada stand on this issue? Will group housing be the wave of the future? What market opportunities exist for farmers who are interested in making a change in their production practices?
In pig production, weaning is the most stressful time in a piglet’s life. At weaning, piglets are removed from the sow, moved to a new home pen, mixed with unfamiliar piglets and given a new diet of solid food to eat. These stressful events often result in a period of anorexia, reduced growth and increased susceptibility to disease.
Researchers at the Prairie Swine Centre are working to determine whether feeding the sow a diet with a higher ratio of Omega-3’s can improve her piglets’ health at weaning.
Meet the BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare Department staff
Not just a bunch of pretty faces…the BC SPCA prides itself on taking an evidence-based approach to improving animal welfare, and the Farm Animal Welfare Department makes no exceptions. A well-rounded background comprised of a scientific education and on-farm work experiences enables the team to be the most effective and credible voice for farm animals.
Photo caption: From left to right - Geoff Urton, Brandy Street, Craig Naherniak and Alyssa Bell Stoneman
Did you know?
The
BC SPCA, in partnership with many experts, has created a number of
resources for farmers!
All resources can be accessed from the ‘Resources for Farmers’ section on our website.
SPCA Certified updates
University of Victoria to host SPCA Certified food day
Many Canadian (and US) Universities source cage-free eggs for their food services; the University of Victoria (UVic), B.C. is going one-step further. UVic already serves SPCA Certified Rabbit River Farms eggs, but food services is working with the BC SPCA and the UVic student group Food for Thought to explore the possibility and logistics of expanding the selection of SPCA Certified products available to students. Stay tuned for more information in the next edition of FarmSense!
Maple Hill Farm certifies chicken
Maple Hill Farms broiler (meat) chickens are now SPCA Certified! The farm produces approximately 480,000 broiler birds per year at four farm sites in the Abbotsford, B.C. area. Visit the SPCA Certified Retailers page for product availability in your community.
New product from a familiar farm
After leaving the pig business, Campbellton Farm owners John and Dorothy Marshall decided to raise SPCA Certified sheep instead. To learn more about Alberta-based Campbellton Farm, please visit the Campbellton Farm SPCA Certified webpage.
Rehoboth Farm relocates
Widely popular within the community of Yarrow, Rehoboth Farm has sold SPCA Certified eggs since 2006. Although they will be continuing to do so this year, Willy, John and family have relocated their laying hens and their farm gate store to a new farm site. For information on their new location, please visit the Rehoboth Farm SPCA Certified farm page.
The SPCA Certified red barn label is your assurance that a product meets the BC SPCA’s high standardsfor farm animal welfare.
Connect with us
In other news....
Fun facts and trivia
Do you know what a barrow, a jenny or a wether is? Test your knowledge of farm animals by taking this quick match up quiz. Yes, I want to take the quiz!
Upcoming events
• Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) 2012 conference and annual general meeting February 24-26, 2012 – Chilliwack, B.C. Please visit their website for registration information.
• Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) Council 2012 Livestock Care Conference: “Defining the Future” March 21-22, 2012 – Red Deer, Alberta Please visit their website for registration information.
• Dr. Temple Grandin – “Understanding the Animals in Your Life” (Nov. 10/11 event) DVD’s and webcast still available for purchase $10 each: cash, cheque or credit card accepted. Contact farminfo@spca.bc.ca for more information.
FarmSense includes news about farm animal welfare issues, research results, and information on the BC SPCA's activities that help farm animals in B.C. We welcome your comments and suggestions on FarmSense content. Please feel free to email us or call 604-681-7271 (or 1-800-665-1868 outside the Lower Mainland).
View or download (.pdf) previous issues of FarmSense on our website at spca.bc.ca/farmsense.
The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in British Columbia. The Society provides a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
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Over the past half-century restrictive gestation stall housing for pregnant sows has been the norm, but today there is growing concern for the welfare of sows in such systems. Many countries have responded by implementing bans on the use of gestation stalls in pig production. The response from consumers has been an increased demand for pork grown in alternative (group housing) systems.
In pig production, weaning is the most stressful time in a piglet’s life. At weaning, piglets are removed from the sow, moved to a new home pen, mixed with unfamiliar piglets and given a new diet of solid food to eat. These stressful events often result in a period of anorexia, reduced growth and increased susceptibility to disease. 
Not just a bunch of pretty faces…the BC SPCA prides itself on taking an evidence-based approach to improving animal welfare, and the Farm Animal Welfare Department makes no exceptions. A well-rounded background comprised of a scientific education and on-farm work experiences enables the team to be the most effective and credible voice for farm animals. 
