QuestionsQuestions (BAI ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 41, S. 2000)
BAI Administrative Order No. 41, s. 2000 is anchored on the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8485), which aims to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines.
Farms with a stocking level of 300 sows and above must have a Resident Veterinarian. Farms with less than 300 sows must have a Consulting Veterinarian. In both cases, the veterinarian must be registered with the PRC with a current Professional Tax Receipt (PTR).
Farms with 20-sow level and above shall be registered with the Bureau of Animal Industry.
It is a violation to: (1) cruelly treat any pig; (2) omit to supply proper and sufficient food, water, and shelter; (3) willfully or wantonly neglect a pig resulting in unreasonable or unnecessary pain, suffering, or distress; (4) slaughter, brand, mutilate, confine, or carry an animal in a manner/position causing unnecessary pain or suffering; or (5) keep alive any pig in a condition that is cruel to keep alive.
No. Castration of any pig over 14 days old may only be performed by a veterinarian, and must use local or general anesthesia.
Tongue piercing is prohibited (no person shall pierce the tongue of a pig or any of its parts). Ear notching is prohibited for piglets more than seven days old.
Tail docking as a routine preventive measure may be done in piglets during the first three days of life, removing one-third to one-half of the tail by a competent operator. Tail docking of pigs more than 7 days old may only be done in an emergency and must be done by a licensed veterinarian.
Backyard tethering is allowed only if a minimum of 2.5 meters is used for tethering secured overhead via a harness (one loop around the neck and the other around the chest behind the elbows). Tethering in the ankle and a ring in the snout are strictly prohibited. Close tethering is also prohibited.
Floors must be made of non-slip materials that are easily cleaned, and there must be a clean dry area of sufficient size to allow all pigs to sleep comfortably at the same time.
Ammonia shall not exceed 20 parts per million (ppm). Immediate corrective action must be taken if it exceeds the limit.
Mechanical equipment must be regularly inspected at least once a month and kept in good working condition. This includes feeding/effluent removal equipment, drinkers, ventilation systems, lighting units, heaters, water pumps and hoses, fire extinguishers, and emergency power generators.
It is strongly recommended that sows shall not be confined in farrowing crates for more than 1 month at any one time. Also, a suitable temperature for piglets must be maintained, with provision of artificial heating for at least the first 7–14 days of life, while ensuring the sow is not distressed and piglet heating devices are securely fixed and protected.
Weaning is done at 30 days old; if weaned earlier, special provisions are required, and weaning pigs less than 3 weeks old exposes them to significant welfare problems. For weaning below 30 days, it shall take place only with a very efficient management system, and piglets weighing less than 6 kg shall not be weaned unless exceptional circumstances are certified by the resident veterinarian.
Pigs must be supplied with and have access to proper and sufficient feed and water to maintain health at least once a day. Sloughs and swills shall not be fed to pigs in commercial operations.
Where unfamiliar pigs must be mixed, it should be done in a manner that minimizes aggression, such as using a new pen, providing feed on the floor, or using a pen with room for escape.
Electric prodders, plastic pipes, and dogs shall not be used on pigs.
The BAI–Animal Health Division must always be notified. BAI personnel are allowed to enter and inspect the farm premises, observe biosecurity measures being implemented, and investigate the farm.
The slaughter method must be effective, cause immediate unconsciousness that persists until death, and the animal must be handled quietly beforehand. DA AO No. 21, series of 1999 shall be adopted for killing animals.
If the ambient temperature is 28°C or hotter, pigs shall not be transported in very hot, humid weather. Also, pigs shall not be transported from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in cities and highly urbanized municipalities.
No. Marking the skin with knives or sharp objects is cruel. Marking pens shall be used, and a grace period of 6 months from the approval of the AO is maintained.