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Requirements for sow housing
After a transitional period of 8 years, sows in breeding may no longer be housed in gestation crates, but only in groups. Confinement will be allowed only for short periods, i.e. for artificial insemination or medical examinations.
During the transitional period, the crate stalls must be designed in such a way that the sows can stretch out their limbs in a lateral position without encountering structural obstacles.
For the period after weaning until the next insemination, a floor area of at least 5 square meters per sow must be available in group housing. Feeding bays can still be used but in addition, an exercise area must be provided for the animals.
Requirements for housing in farrowing
This concerns the lying and resting area for suckling pigs, the lighting intensity of the stalls, and measures against aggression in the group.
The other new farrowing provisions submitted by the Federal Government may remain essentially unchanged: Farrowing crates will be permitted for a maximum of 5 days to protect the piglets, instead of the previous 35 days. The farrowing crates must be at least 6.5 square meters in size.
Farms have 15 years to adapt to the new requirements in the farrowing area, to restructure and to generate the financial means for the extensive conversions.
Announcement and entry into force
The ordinance is to enter into force the day after promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette. For this to happen, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture must fully implement the Bundesrat's amendments. Whether and how quickly this happens is decided by the Ministry.
Information for consumers
The Federal Council also points out that the present amendment will certainly have an impact on consumer prices: Agriculture is facing investments of over one billion euros. This would have to be financed by higher prices.
The Bundesrat therefore asks the Federal Government to accompany the necessary conversion of pig pens by simplified building and emission control permits, investment aid, and an informational campaign for consumers.
July 3, 2020/ Bundesrat/ Germany.
https://www.bundesrat.de
