Question & AnswerQ&A (BAI ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 41, S. 2000)
The primary objective of the Code is to encourage all persons involved in the pig industry to adopt the highest standards of husbandry to ensure the welfare of pigs by adhering to good husbandry practices that enhance productivity and comply with the five basic freedoms of animals.
The five basic freedoms are: freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; freedom from physical discomfort and pain; freedom from injury and disease; freedom to conform to essential behavior patterns; and freedom from fear and distress.
Pig farms with a stocking level of 300 sows and above must have a Resident Veterinarian registered with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) with a current Professional Tax Receipt (PTR).
Violations include: cruel treatment of pigs; failure to supply proper and sufficient food, water and shelter; willful neglect causing pain or distress; slaughtering, branding, mutilating, or confining causing unnecessary pain; and keeping alive any pig in a cruel condition.
No person shall castrate any pig over 14 days old unless performed by a veterinarian using local or general anesthesia. Castration can be done as early as 1 day old, with an average of 3 days old.
No, tongue piercing of pigs or any of its parts is prohibited under the Code.
Tail docking as a routine preventive measure may be carried out in piglets during the first three days of life by a competent operator. Tail docking of pigs more than 7 days old shall only be done in emergency by a licensed veterinarian.
Minimum space requirements vary by pig class and size as provided in Table 2 of the Code, ensuring pigs have sufficient space for feeding, lying down, stretching, and expressing normal behaviors.
Artificial light shall always be available for use during the night or darkened periods to enable satisfactory inspection and care of pigs.
They shall not be confined in individual stalls and/or farrowing crates for more than 6 weeks at any one time, and such confinement shall not exceed 60% of any reproductive cycle (150 days).
Pigs must be handled with patience and care during transport; they must be protected from extreme heat and cold, avoid transport between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in cities, and transport times with feed and water must follow prescribed limits (e.g., not more than 8 hours without water). Electric prodders, plastic pipes, and dogs are prohibited during handling.
Caretakers must possess adequate knowledge, conduct regular inspections, provide proper feeding, watering, and housing, and ensure veterinary consultation and humane treatment at all times.
Emergency slaughter shall cause immediate unconsciousness persisting until death, be done quietly to avoid distress, and follow procedures outlined in DA AO No. 21, s. 1999, including methods like percussive stunning for adult pigs and a blow to the head for very young piglets.
Violations shall be penalized in accordance with the law as provided under Section 11 of the Code.