Sunday, March 16, 2014

Hog Farm Changes: The Need To Make Them

By Lianne Derocco


Changes in the way pigs are cared for and housed are being pushed as initiated by Tyson Food's recent letter sent out to hog farmers. Being the second largest processor of pork, chicken and beef worldwide there is much pressure put on them in terms of ensuring the humane treatment for animals being used for their products. Several suggestions have been made in order to improve hog conditions which also lead to the alleviation of any damage on 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.

The issue by which Tyson was with a harder stand on is relative to the cessation of the use of manual blunt force euthanasia in killing piglets by some farms. Hog farmers can have several alternatives which are more humane. Improving the housing conditions of all animals are also being raised by Tyson. What it primarily seeks is for farmers to make sure that sows and piglets are room in such that they can move about freely.

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.

The use of AgraSphere which is a natural product is a good example if farmers want to deal with said issues, even help prevent them before they happen. There are no chemicals found in this product where it instead relies on natural bacteria microbes so that waste solids can be eaten away thus liquefying waste. By simply tossing this biodegradable sphere into the waste lagoon or pit microbes are immediately released. To add to its prevention of the problems, you will also find waste nutrient value improved which ensures better utilization of waste turned to fertilizer for crops which is a great way to earn extra aside from hog farming.




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