Alternative Systems to Factory Farming

‘Free range’

The term ‘free-range’ is applicable in pig farming when both the breeding pigs and their young (who are then raised for slaughter) are kept in outdoor paddocks with erected shelters. Smaller shelters are provided for sows called huts or kennels and are provided for farrowing (birthing) and nursing piglets. Different industry associations have slightly different requirements.

‘Bred free range’

The term ‘Bred free range’ is now being seen on labels in supermarkets. This is a relatively new term and means that the breeding sows and boars (adult males) are kept in paddocks with shelters rather than indoors as in factory farms. The piglets that are born to these pigs are weaned at about 3 to 4 weeks of age and then raised in indoor enclosures. Those enclosures are usually ‘ecoshelters’ (large hooped-roof sheds with litter floors) or indoor cement or slatted floored group pens.

‘Organic’

Organic farming of pigs requires that pigs are bred and raised in a free range manner.
Organic ‘accreditation schemes’ also usually ban mutilations such as teeth clipping and tail docking of piglets and require later weaning of piglets. All organic schemes oppose the use of chemicals and antibiotics.

Some ‘Free Range’ and ‘Bred Free Range’ systems may also avoid teeth clipping and tail docking.

Currently there is no specific legislation in regard to standard labelling definitions for pig products (related to housing types or husbandry methods) in Australia.

 

Pigs that are raised in alternative systems are provided with a better quality of life than in factory farms. However, regardless of the housing system used, all commercially raised pigs will be subjected to the stresses of transport to slaughter and are then slaughtered in the same manner as factory-farmed pigs.

Tragically, over five million pigs areslaughtered in Australia for human consumption each year. Most are young pigs (4 - 6 months old), but over 100,000 sows and some breeding boars who are considered of no further 'use' (due to lameness or failure to become pregnant) are also sent to slaughter.

There is no such thing as ‘humane’ slaughter—only fear and suffering. Pigs are either electrically stunned or immersed in a CO2 filled chamber to induce unconsciousness prior to having their throats cut and bled out.

This is why SaveBabe.com encourages consumers who care about animals to make the ultimate choice on their behalf by making the Pro Pig Pledge not to consume pork, bacon and ham products.

However, every Australian—no matter their dietary choices—can contribute to ending the inherent cruelty of factory farming by leaving factory-farmed products on supermarket shelves.