Feeding and Management Programs for Natural and Organic Pork Production

In case of organic pork production, an extensive list of feeding requirements has been established, both in India and other countries, however, we know of no similar requirements for natural pork production. There is no legal or broadly accepted definition of natural. Currently, individual marketing groups have established guidelines for the pork production that may be labelled natural. With no legal description of natural, one has difficulty in defining this type of pork production. Natural pork production likely includes a ban on use of antibiotics and other synthetic growth promoters, possibly a ban on use of animal by-products in feeds, increased space allowances for animals, and use of other production practices thought to enhance animal welfare. Often, natural pork production has requirements quite similar to standards for organic production, but they are not quite as comprehensive. In the current situation, producers interested in natural production of pork has to identify a group that markets natural pork and follow its standards or requirements. This chapter focuses on nutrition and management requirements for organic pork production, but much of its content can be applied to production systems for natural pork.

Unlike natural pork production, there are extensive standards for organic production of pork. Several international and national groups have offered definitions for organic agriculture. Those definitions speak to environmental, social, and ethical goals and principles. Feed manufactured for use in organic pork production can only contain ingredients from three categories:

1. Agricultural products that were produced and handled organically,
2. Non-synthetic substances such as enzymes, probiotics, and others usually thought of as natural ingredients, and
3. Synthetic substances that appear on the national list of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.

Some ingredient uses limitations for organic diets include:

1. No genetically modified grain or grain by-products.
2. No antibiotics, hormones, or drugs.
3. No animal by-products.
4. No grain by-products unless produced from certified organic crops.
5. No chemically extracted feeds (such as solvent extracted soybean meal).
6. No synthetic amino acids.

Although the use of antibiotics or drugs is not allowed in animals that are sold to organic markets, this does not suggest that animal welfare be ignored if animals become sick or in need of medication. In fact, it is established that a producer of organic livestock must administer vaccines and other veterinary biologics as needed to protect the well-being of animals in his or her care. When preventative practices and veterinary biologics are inadequate to prevent sickness, the producer may administer medications allowed for use in organic production systems. All appropriate medications and treatments must be used to restore an animal to health when methods acceptable to organic production standards fail. Livestock that are treated with prohibited materials must be clearly identified and shall not be sold, labelled, or represented as organic.

Corn-soybean meal-grain-oil cake-based diets are typically used in Indian pork production because of the availability, high nutritional value, and competitive cost. Similar formulations are being used for organic production with organically-produced corn, soybean meal, grains or oil cakes. However, the high cost and limited availability of organically-produced corn, soybean meal, grains and oil cakes may preclude their use in some organic production systems. As a result, there is considerable interest in alternative ingredients to reduce cost and diversify crop rotations on organic farms. The high cost of organic grain and protein sources also suggests that producers explore the maximization of pasture contributions during months when grazing is practical. Nutrient contributions from pasture should be considered when formulating complete diets.

Ingredients allowed in organic pig production

Certified organic crops serve as the base feedstuffs for organic livestock nutrition are allowed for feeding in organic pig production system. However, the use of some synthetic and non-synthetic substances may be used as feed additives and supplements. Vitamins and minerals are allowed in organic diets even though they may not be considered natural substances. Use of these ingredients in the formulation of organic diets may have economic and nutritional benefits.

Synthetic substances allowed in feeds for organic certification include:

1. Electrolytes without antibiotics – used to treat dehydration due to diarrhea in young pigs.
2. Magnesium sulfate – used as a laxative agent for gestating and lactating sows
3. Milk replacers without antibiotics – used for disadvantaged, starving piglets but must not contain nonmilk products
4. Copper sulfate – an inorganic copper source used for trace mineral supplementation
5. Vitamins – Approved synthetic vitamins may be used for enrichment or diet fortification. However, natural sources such as sprouted grains and brewer’s yeast may be preferred by some certifying agencies.

Non-synthetic (Natural) substances allowed for use in organic pig production

1. Citric acid – used to acidify baby pig diets
2. Bentonite – used as a pellet binder and may be effective in reducing adverse performance effects due to mycotoxin contamination of grain.
3. Calcium carbonate and calcium chloride – an inorganic source of supplemental calcium
4. Enzymes – derived from edible, nontoxic plants, nonpathogenic fungi, or nonpathogenic bacteria (some forms of microbial phytase may be used to improve phosphorus digestibility of grain)
5. Potassium chloride – used as a laxative agent for gestating and lactating sows
6. Potassium iodide – an inorganic iodine supplement
7. Non-synthetic, non-GMO yeast – a feed additive Flavors – non-synthetic sources only and must not be produced using synthetic solvents and carrier systems or any artificial preservatives
8. Dried skim milk and dried whey – these ingredients can be used only if derived from organically produced milk

NOTE: Some of the above materials may be used only with permission from the certifying agency.

Documentation and records in organic and natural pig farming

National Standards for Organic Production (NSOP) defines records as any information in written, visual, or electronic form that documents the activities undertaken by a producer, handler, or certifying agent to comply with the standards and regulations in this part. The records are to be kept as an audit trail that will allow for the tracing of the sources of animals, sources of feed and amounts fed, forage, feed supplements, treatments, medications, and animal health. Documentation begins with birth or purchase of the animals. Specific information will include: date born, date purchased, date sold, date died, date bred, date farrowed, and date weaned. If animals are sold, list buyer’s name. If the animal is to be slaughtered, then the date of slaughter, processor’s name, and markets sold to must be listed. The medical documentation will include the diagnosis of diseases, date of treatment, medication and dosage used, time of withdrawal period, and copies of all medication labels.

Documentation of the feeding program requires listing diet formulations, feed ingredient sources, date of purchases, copies of ingredient labels, and locations where the feed is stored. For on-farm grown ingredients, records of seeding date, seeding location, organic certification of land used, date harvested, where processed, and storage facilities used are required. The reason for such thorough records is to ensure that no co-mingling of non-organic livestock or feed ingredients occurs, allowable medications are identified, and that proper medical attention has been given to sick animals regardless of certification status. These records also give the farmer a paper trail to prove that his or her animals have been raised according to certified practices.

Challenges associated with organic feeding practices

1. Managing pig health without antibiotics and animal-derived ingredients is the foremost challenge. Managing on such diets generally leads to increased weaning age. Some advisors recommend weaning at 35 days of age or more.
2. Implement high biosecurity procedures i.e. maintenance of closed herds is essential to minimize the risk of disease transmission, maintain closed herds (with limited or no addition of animals from other farms). If replacement animals are obtained from outside sources, they should be isolated and kept in separate facilities (preferably off-farm) for 60 days and blood tested for undesirable pathogens. In closed herds, the use of artificial insemination eliminates the need for the introduction of new boars to the breeding herd for the production of home-grown maternal line females and to serve as terminal line boars. Animals certified as SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) should be considered when populating new organic swine herds.
3. Visitor access to animal facilities should be restricted. Delivery trucks, particularly those that visit other farms or slaughter facilities, should be thoroughly cleaned before entering animal areas. Producers need to implement procedures that prevent rendering trucks from entering areas around pig facilities. On-farm methods for disposal of swine mortalities eliminate the risks associated with rendering trucks entering the farm. On-farm methods include composting and incinerating. Limiting the contact of dogs, cats, birds, and wild animals with pigs will help eliminate the transfer of swine diseases.
4. Provide excellent sanitation facilities. Farmers have to keep facilities as clean as possible to minimize the concentration of pathogens in animal living areas. Dead animals should be disposed of using only approved disposal methods.
5. Need to provide the proper environment temperature, space, nutrition, and ventilation requirements of pigs must be met to minimize stress and the risk of disease.
6. Guaranteeing no use of grain from genetically modified organisms (GMO) in swine diets. Given the popularity of GMO grains with crop producers and the potential for cross-pollination, it is nearly impossible to guarantee that organically-raised crops are absolutely free of GMO grain, which is prohibited in organic production. Grains certified to be produced according to the National Standards are considered organic and acceptable for use even if there are trace amounts of GMO present.
7. Formulation of pig diet is difficult without animal or gain by-products. However, several alternative feed ingredients can be grown organically and used in swine diets.

Possible alternative feed sources for organic pig farming

Nutrient composition of the feed ingredients vary depending on area grown, processing technique utilized, year-to-year variation, maturity of the plant, and many other variables. The best method to determine nutrient composition is to obtain representative samples of each feed ingredient and send them to a commercial laboratory for nutrient analysis.

Energy sources

• Maize (Zea maize): It is the principal energy source in pigs’ diet and contains 3350 Kcal/kg ME. Yellow maize provides carotene and xanthophylls pigments. Maize is an excellent source of linoleic acid but deficient in lysine and tryptophan.
• Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare): Sorghum contains slightly lower energy but more protein than maize (ME 3200 Kcal/kg; protein 10-11%). It is deficient in lysine, methionine and arginine. Light coloured sorghum varieties can be used as energy sources, however, darker varieties, that are bird resistant, can contain tannins in the seed coat and should be used less.
• Wheat (Trificum oestium): Wheat is good source of energy (ME 3100 Kcal/kg; 11-14% CP).
• Broken rice (Oryza sativa): Rice contains 7-8% CP and 3300 ME Kcal/kg.
• Barley (Hordeum vulgare): Barley contains 10% CP and 2900 Kcal/kg ME. The protein of barley is deficient in lysine and methionine and it contains –D-glucose.
• Millets: Bajra (Pennisetum typhoides), Korra (Setaria italica), Ragi (Eleusine coracana) is a satisfactory source of energy.
• Rice bran: Rice bran contains 13% protein, 13% fat and 13% fibre. It is a good source of energy (2900 Kcal/kg ME) and B-complex group of vitamins. It is high in phytate (1.28%) and because of it oil content and the presence of lipolytic enzymes is prone to cause rancidity. It is deficient in lysine.
• Wheat bran: What bran is a poor source of energy (1300 Kcal ME/kg) 13-14% CP but deficient in lysine and methionine and high in fibre (11%) and phytate (0.95%).
• Salseed, deoiled: contains 10% protein and 2400 Kcal ME/kg. It is deficient in methionine and threonine and contains 3.5 to 13% tannins.
• Molasses: Molasses contain 80-90% NFE.
• Mango (Mangifere indica) kernel meal: Mango kernel contains about 2000 Kcal ME/kg and tannins (0.5%). Hydrocyanic acid is eliminated during deoiling and drying process.
• Fats and oils: Animal fats contains 7700 Kcal ME/kg and vegetable oils 8000 Kcal ME/kg are very good source of energy. Vegetable oils also provide essential fatty acids. Fats and oils tends to get rancid, when stored for a long time at high temperature.
• Tapioca (Monihot esculenta crantz): Tapioca root meal is rich in energy (3300ME Kcal/kg). It contains cyanogenic glucosides (HCN 15-400 mg/kg). Drying of roots eliminates 8.5% HCN.
• Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) tuber meal: It is a good source of energy (3500 kcal ME/kg) and protein. It contains antitrypsin. On drying, the antitrypsins are denatured.
• Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal: It contains 1500 Kcal ME /kg. It is a good source of protein (19%) and contains mimosine (3-5%), and tannins (0.95%).
• Tea waste (Camelia sinensis): A major portion of these by-products is going as waste at present, and only a small part of it is utilized by caffeine industries for extraction of caffeine. The factory tea waste contains CP, DCP and TDN value of 19.5, 9.7 and 43.3 per cent respectively. It contains about 4.9% tannic acid. It also contains higher level of all other essential amino acid more than cotton seed cake and methionine content exceeds that of whole egg protein. The material can be used upto the 15 per cent level in the concentrate mixture of pigs.
• Nahar seed meal (Mesua ferrea): Approximately, total annual availability of Nahar seed in N.E. region is about 15-20,000 metric tonns (MT). The seeds contain DM 90; CP 12.80; EE 25.31; CF 7.08; NFE 50.01; Ash-4.8; Ca 2.20 and P 1.02 per cent. The DCP and TDN values of Nahar seed meal were found to be 12.84 and 78.06 per cent respectively on DM basis. The expeller pressed Nahar seed meal can be used upto 15% level in growing pigs.
• Ajar seed (Lagerstroemia flos reginae): Ajar tree is a large deciduous tree and abundantly grow in the forest of India mostly in N.E. states. It provides durable timber for constructional purposes and bears a large amount of seeds. The population density of Ajar tree in 24.061 km2 forest area of Assam is 3.279 million cubic meters which can produce about 13,116 metric tonnes of seed per year. The chemical composition of ajar seed was CP-10.03, EE-0.84, CF-17.50, NFE-63.3, Total ash-8.43 and tannic acid-3.06 per cent. The nutritive value of ajar seed in goat was DCP-7.42 and TDN-65.87 per cent.
• Colocasia (Colocasia esculenta): The ratio of leaf petiole and corm of colocasia is 1:3.03:2.04. The boiled colocasia contain 13% DM, 9.86% CP, 1.70% EE, 8.53% CF, 74.83% NFE, 5.08% TA and 4150 Kcal GE/kg. On boiling the oxalate content has been reduced from 3.48 to 0.79 and tannic acid from 1.92 to 0.77 per cent.

Protein sources

• Soyabean (Glycine max) meal : Soyabean meal contains 38-40% protein and 18-20% fat. It contains protease inhibitors which bind and render unavailable the enzyme trypsin and chymotrypsin. It is the source of allergenic proteins such as conglycinin and β–conglycinin that reduces the efficiency and caused scouring in young piglets. It is an excellent source of lysine, tryptophan and threonine but is deficient in methionine. ME content is 1200-2500 kcal/kg.
• Mustard or Rapeseed meal: It has lower protein and energy than soyabean meal. The conditioning process destroys the enzyme myrosinase, which converts glucosinolates to goitrogenic compounds : oxalolidone-2-thione and isothiocynate.
• Ground nut meal: N. meal contain about 35-40% protein and has a poor amino acid profile and is deficient in methionine, lysine and tryptophan. G.N. meal contains trypsin inhibitors and other protease inhibitors. The undesirable constituent often associated with G.N. meal is aflatoxin-produced by the fungus Astargillus flavus that infest ground nuts. This mycotoxin causes hemorrhages in the liver, kidneys and breast muscle and reduced immune competence. Aflatoxin B1 levels as low as 250 ppb are known to exert these effects. The US food and Drug Administration, has set a limit of 100 ppb for animal feeds.
• Sunflower (Helianthus annus) meal: Sunflower meal has about 25% protein but high levels of chlorogenic acid a tannin like compound inhibits activity of digestive enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase). Additions of methionine and choline are required to counteract the effect of chlorogenic acid.
• Cotton (Gossypium spp.) seed meal: Cotton seed meal contains protein but may contain free gossypol (0.02 to 0.05%). The protein is deficient in lysine, methionine, thereonine and tryptophan. It also contains the cyclopropenoid fatty acids, malvalic and steraulic acid. Gossypol can bind with iron 1:4 and hence for the purpose of detoxification with ferrous sulphate 1.2% is optimum level.
• Sesame (Sesamum indicum) meal: The protein content is 40%. The sesame is an excellent source of methionine, cystine and tryptophan but low in lysine and threonine. Soyabean and sesame meal ratio of 2:1 is the best. It contains high level of oxalic acid (35mg/100g) and phytic acid (5%). Oxalic acid and phytate interfere with mineral.
• Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) meal: Linseed meal contains 35% protein but low in lysine and tryptophan. It contains the antinutritional factors, Linatin (an antipyridoxine) and linamarin (a cyanogenic glucoside: HCN 10-300 mg/kg meal).
• Niger (Guizotica abyssinica) cake: Niger cake contain about 35% protein but deficient in lysine, methionine and tryptophan.
• Keranja (Pongania globra vent) meal: It contains 30% protein and 28% oil. The oil contains karanjine (1.47 mg /ml oil).
• Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed meal: It contains 26% protein and 20-40 mg/kg HCN.
• Ambadi (Hibiscus cannabinus) meal: Ambadi seed meal contains 28% protein and 0.35% tannins. The protein is low in lysine and methionine.
• Mahua (Madhuca indica) meal: Mahua seed meal contains about 20% protein. Mowrein, a saponins (19%) and tannins (1.5%) are present in mahua seed meal.
• Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonolaba) meal: The guar meal contains about 40% protein and is deficient in methionine and lysine. The antinutrients present are trypsin inhibitors, HCN, haemagglutins and residual gums.
• Fish meal: Fish meal contains 40-60% protein.
• Deoiled silkworm pupae meal: Deoiled silkworm pupae meal is good source of protein (about 65%) and phosphorus. The protein is rich in lysine, methionine, arginine, tryptophan and isoleocine, but low in threonine.

Use of grass/forage in pig diets

Grass/forages in the form of pasture, as part of a complete feed, or silage, can be used successfully in pork production. In earlier date, pasture was considered a vital component in most swine feeding programs because it provided vitamins, minerals, and unidentified growth factors. Forages may have special applications in diets for organic swine production. Forage species, maturity, growing conditions, and grazing habits of pigs all influence the nutritional value of the forage consumed. Unfortunately, there are few data available to estimate the quantity of forage consumed by pigs and the nutritional value of that forage. Consequently, most nutritionists give little or no nutritional credit to the forage when formulating diets for pastured pigs. Stored forage used in the diet or fed as silage can be analyzed for nutrient content. Nutrient content of the forage can be considered in diet formulation realizing that digestibility of those forage nutrients generally is lower than that of grains. Use of grass/forages can lower costs of grain and protein supplementation. In the case of pasture systems, equipment and building costs decrease, resulting in lower fixed costs of production.

Resource based feed formulae for different categories of pigs

Ration formulae from feed ingredients available in different parts of the region have been given for feeding of pigs at different stages of growth and production.

1. Creep ration: The rations of high protein and energy content offered to piglets from second week of life up to weaning (6-8 weeks) are starter or creep ration. Adequate amount of good quality protein is very important for balancing the ration. Suckling piglets under intensive management are prone to anaemia due to deficient of iron in sow’s milk. Thus, iron preparations are injected in the 4th and 14th day of life.
2. Grower ration: The ration offered to piglets from the weaning to 35 kg body weight. It is possible to replace large proportion of cereal grains and their by-products and several agro-industrial wastes.
3. Finisher ration: The rations fed to fattening pigs from 35 kg live weight to slaughter at 70-90 kg body weight are finisher rations. The finisher ration can be prepared according to the availability feed stuffs.
4. Feeding of pregnant and lactating sows: During this stage about 20-25 kg gain in body weight of pregnant gilts and sows has been found to be optimum, and pregnant sows should be fed about 2 kg mixed feed daily. The lactating sows are fed a similar ration at the rate of 3-4 kg daily. In addition to this, piglet allowance is offered at the rate of 200 g per piglet daily during 6-8 weeks of lactation period. The ration is reduced to 2 kg daily during last week of weaning period for drying the sows.
5. Feeding of breeding sows: Breeding boars can maintain good vigour on the feeding of the grower ration at the rate of 3.0 kg before 18 months of age, and 2.5 kg to mature boars. Feeding of 4-5 kg succulent green fodder keep the breeding stock active and vigorous.

Selection of pigs for organic production: The breeds and strains most suited to local conditions need to be bred. The preference for reproduction through natural methods, although artificial insemination may be used. Embryo transfer techniques and any other breeding techniques employing genetic engineering shall not be used. The use of hormonal reproductive treatment shall not be used unless prescribed therapeutic, directed towards correcting the physiological problem.

• The choice of pig breeds and breeding methods shall be consistent with the principles of organic farming, taking into account, of their adaptation to the local climatic conditions and resistance to diseases.
• Procurement of new stock should be from organically complied farms, as much as possible. When the producer is establishing an organic pig farm operation procurement from non-organic sources may be permitted. Procurement from non-organic farms is also permitted during heavy mortalities, the introduction of breeding stocks, new breeds, etc. In all such cases product of such animals shall qualify for organic only after the completion of the conversion period. Afterwards, transfer of pigs between organic and non-organic units shall not be permitted.

Identification of animals with unique identification number ear tags, RFID ids, barcodes, or any other suitable tag that is visible is recommended. records on parent details, source and purchase details, animal details, breeding details, feeding details, production details, sale details and healthcare details including details of vaccination, medication, prescription by veterinarian and withdrawal period, etc, need to be maintained.

Shelter management: The housing and day-to-day management of the animal, maintenance sanitation, hygiene, bio-security and environment shall be planned to suit the specific behavioural needs of pigs and shall provide for sufficient space to ensure free movement and opportunity to express normal patterns of behavior. Appropriate stocking density of pigs will avoid overcrowding and spread of infections or competition to feeding. As far as possible two different kinds of animals shall not be kept together. The shelter should be comfortable, clean, provide plentiful natural ventilation and light to enter. Outdoor open areas may be partially covered. Provisions for animal comfort especially during extremes in weather conditions like, bedding during winters need to be provided. Pigs must be kept in groups, except in the last stages of pregnancy and during the suckling period. Piglets may not be kept on flat decks or in piglet cages. Exercise areas must permit dunging and rooting by the animal. Breeding boars may be kept separately.

Welfare issues: Needle tooth removal may be permitted as they are intended to improve the health and welfare of the mother pigs. Castration with proper anesthetics is allowed for stocks designated for finisher farms.

Manure Management: The collection, handling and disposal of the dung and urine from the shed, shall be implemented in a manner that it minimizes soil and water degradation and optimizes the recycling of nutrients.

Health Care: The organic swine husbandry should follow the basic principles of preventive health and productivity management wherein the focus would be on preventing diseases, detecting underlying fertility and production problems and its correction primarily on correcting management, nutrition, and sanitation. The choice of appropriate breeds or strains of pig that can acclimatize, and adapt to the environment are recommended. The farm should have an established system of detection of sub-clinical, sick, or injured animals and if, so detected, must be treated immediately. In cases where isolation is necessary, it will be so carried out in suitable housing areas. The paramount interest in case of sickness would be animal welfare and mitigating pain and suffering, and hence the producer shall not withhold medication even if the use of such medication will cause the animal to lose its organic status;

The use of veterinary medicinal products in organic farming shall comply with the following principles:

1. All vaccinations required by law of the land shall be permitted. Where specific disease or health problems occur, or is predicted to occur, and there are no alternative permitted treatment or management practice exist, use of parasiticides, or therapeutic use of veterinary drugs are permitted under prescription and supervision of a registered veterinarian, provided that the mandatory withdrawal periods are observed. A withdrawal period of a minimum of 48 hours of withdrawal period shall be observed.
2. The use of allopathic veterinary drugs or antibiotics or drugs derived from genetically modified source for preventative treatments and for enhancing productivity or fertility is prohibited;
3. Hormonal treatment may only be used for therapeutic reasons and under veterinary supervision;
4. Growth stimulants, agents or substances used to stimulate growth or production shall not be permitted.

Biosecurity measures required in organic pig farming

Farm biosecurity combines ‘exclusion’, i.e. measures for preventing a pathogen from being introduced to a herd/flock and ‘biocontainment’, which addresses events after introduction, i.e. the ability for a pathogen to spread among groups of animals at a farm.

1. Introduction of New Animals: The animal health practices include appropriate quarantine and testing of animals upon introduction or reintroduction in farm premises. Purchase or reintroduction of animals after visits to fairs, exhibitions etc. has the potential to introduce disease-causing agents. Isolation/quarantine of such animals for at least 30 days in a separate quarantine facility is recommended. Vaccination should be completed at least 2 weeks before release from quarantine
2. Animal Feed, Water and Bedding: It is important to ensure that feed is not contaminated. The quality of feed and bedding materials should be checked periodically and before use. Water sources get contaminated with feces or urine and have the potential to expose animals to disease- causing pathogens and should be cleaned regularly.
3. Vectors, Feral Animals and Wildlife: This problem can be dealt with by devising and implementing an integrated pest management program. The measures vary depending on the geographic area and the wildlife species involved, which involve cutting grass and vegetation around the farm premises, monitoring rubbish dumps and debris piles, and managing feed spills and food sources to discourage pests and wildlife. Secured entry points to animal housing, pens and barns; prevent pest, pets and wildlife access.
4. Cleaning and Disinfection: Cleaning and disinfection of production areas, quarantine sheds and equipment after each production cycle are helpful. Shared and reusable equipments between animals need to be cleaned and disinfected before and after use. Animal feeders, water channels and feeding areas should be cleaned regularly
5. Zone-wise implementation of farm biosecurity: Access to farm premises should be restricted by establishing distinct zones with varying levels of protection. The entire area was classified into the Risk zone, Biosecurity Zone I, Zone II (Buffer zone), and Zone III (Core Zone). The area outside the farm may be classified as a risk zone. Entry of stray/wild animals & birds should be strictly controlled. Separate foot wears and clothing for entrance into the different premises of farm are required. Footbaths and hand wash facilities in transition area at the entrance and exit, entry and exit through controlled entry/exit point, clean-to-dirty, healthy-to-sick and young-to-old work patterns are some of the biosecurity measures to be followed at the farms. Biosecurity Zone I should occupy the farmhouse and offices. The zone II should have only restricted entry where feed storage and other farm-related activities are performed. In the core zone or Zone III, the pigs may be maintained. Utmost control of movement to Zone III should be maintained to prevent the entry of pathogens.

  Transport considerations

During transport, the producer shall prevent stress, injury, hunger, thirst, malnutrition, fear, distress, physical & thermal discomfort, pain, disease during the transport and shall observe the protocols as prescribed under law of the land including:

• All necessary arrangement be made in advance to minimize length of the journey and meet the animal’s need during the journey;
• Animals must be fit for the intended journey;
• Means of transport as well as the loading and unloading facilities must be designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals;
• Personnel that handle animals must be trained and competent as appropriate for this purpose and must carry out their tasks without using violence or any other method likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering;
• Transport must carry out without delay to the place of destination and the welfare conditions of the animals must be regularly checked and appropriately maintained;
• Sufficient floor area, height and other spacing requirements must be provided for the animals, appropriate to their size and intended journey and
• Water, feed and rest must be offered to the animals at suitable intervals and should be appropriate in quality and quantity to their species, size and age.
• The use of electric stimulation or allopathic tranquilizers shall not be permitted during loading and unloading of animals.