Thursday, February 13, 2014

Hog Farm Changes: The Need To Make Them

By Lianne Derocco


Recently, Tyson Foods sent a letter out to hog farmers asking them to consider making changes in the way pigs cared for and housed. As the second largest processor of chickens, pork and beef in the world, this company has encountered much pressure to ensure that the animals used for their products are dealt with as humanely as possible. There are many ways to improve the conditions for your hogs, as well as to alleviate any damage to the surrounding community.

There are many issues are taken up in this letter and video monitoring is amongst them. This is recommended in order to monitor and ensure that employees conform to proper procedures, placing video cameras throughout the farm is being suggested by Tyson. Monitoring includes how animals are being treated and the assurance that employees follow protocols in order to reduce spread or contamination of any disease.

Tyson's letter also tackles the issue of pain management where it is being suggested that pain management for animals during tail docking or castration be provided. As of current time no approved drugs can be found in addressing this particular pain management, Tyson said that this issue will be researched on and so farmers are encouraged to discuss this further with veterinarian who is reliable.

A harder opinion came from Tyson with regards to asking some farms to actually put a stop on the use of manual blunt force euthanasia in killing piglets. They should consider opting for more human alternatives as many can be found. Along with it came Tyson's suggestion for better housing conditions for animals. This should begin with sows and piglets being placed in rooms where they can actually move more freely - the basic point being raised by Tyson.

One more important issue, though not mentioned by Tyson in their letter, is agricultural waste management where hog farmers need to know about some easy ways to reduce the common waste problems just like foaming, crusting, sludge build-up and the reduction of odors and flies which waste pits and waste lagoons commonly attract.

Using a natural product such as AgraSphere, for example, is an easy way for farmers to deal with the issues and even prevent them before they occur. This product contains no chemicals and relies instead on natural bacteria microbes to eat away at the waste solids, helping to liquefy waste. You simply toss these biodegradable spheres into your waste pit or lagoon and they immediately begin releasing microbes. In addition to preventing problems, the nutrient value of the waste is improved, which means it can be better utilized as a fertilizer for crops and this can certainly add some extra income to your farming operation.




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