Quality – Growth – Balance
A view of European
pig production
A benchmarking exercise for
Denmark, England, Holland
and Germany
Introduction
The purpose of this publication is to compare
quality standards in Danish pig production with
those in other selected countries. The basis for
comparison includes parameters such as animal
welfare, food safety, health, and the environment.
The comparisons are based on available data
collected from relevant sources in Denmark
and the other countries. In areas where it has
not been possible to obtain the information or
where the validation of information has been
questionable, either EU legislation is used as a
benchmark or the comparison is omitted completely.
It should be emphasised that the comparisons
are based on information available at the time
of writing.
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3
Quality and control
For some years, there has been a move towards independent certification of the different links in the food chain
in pig industries in many European countries. This independent control has to ensure that both EU and national
legislation are complied with and, in certain cases, customer requirements as well.
Denmark and several other European countries have introduced quality standards for the production of pigs, and
virtually all quality systems have independent third-party control.
’DANISH’ production is a closed system based on live animals of native origin.
Denmark/Danish
Denmark/UK Contract
England
Holland
Germany
Quality system
DANISH Product Standard (since 2007)
QSG (since 1995)
Contract for UK Production
(since 1998)
Red Tractor Farm Assurance
– Pigs Scheme (since 1999)
IKB Varken (since 1995)
QS (since 2001)
Coverage
95% including 15% under UK Contract
production.
15% of production
Approx. 90% of production
Approx. 90% of production
Approx. 95% of production
Identification and traceability
CPH number Slap-marking on shoulders or
approved ear tags On-farm movement record
required (eAML). Only British pigs slaughtered.
UBN-number
Ear tags
Holland primarily slaughters
Dutch pigs
QS-ID
Ear tags
Supplier number
Germany primarily slaughters
QS-pigs (incl. German, Danish and Dutch).
Audit
Independent third party control every year or
every third year depending on audit result.
Risk-based audit by the authorities
(unannounced in 5% of the herds).
Independent third party control every year.
Independent third party control every year.
Independent third party audit, every year, every
second or every third year depending on audit
result.
The producer can choose between:
1.Unannounced standard audit
(48 hours warning)
2.Announced standard audit + an unannounced
audit in between two standard audits.
4
CHR number (herd number)
Ear tags
Movement record
Supplier number
Only Danish pigs are slaughtered in Denmark.
Independent third party audit every year.
Of which 10% are unannounced.
Risk-based audit by the authorities
(unannounced in 5% of the herds).
Danish pig production in a European context
5
Health and use of medicines
The frequency of veterinary visits varies widely between countries.
In Denmark, veterinarians may only prescribe medicine and, as a rule, are not permitted to sell it to producers.
All veterinary medicine and antibiotics must be purchased through a pharmacy. In this way, health advice and
the sale of antibiotics are kept separate, which means that there is no financial incentive for veterinarians to
prescribe antibiotics. In practice, this has resulted in a lower use of veterinary medicines in Danish pig production.
Common to all countries, however, is that the prescription must be based on a diagnosis carried out b
​​ y a veterinarian and that the producer must record use of medicine in his herd.
In Denmark, medicine usage is recorded by animal group, herd owner and the prescribing veterinarian.
A Danish initiative, based on data recorded in the central database, VETSTAT (Veterinary Medicine Statistic), gives
the Danish authorities the possibility of issuing a ‘yellow card’ to herds that are either using or being prescribed
higher amounts of medicine.
Denmark/Danish
Denmark/UK Contract
England
Holland
Health advisory contracts are mandatory for herds of a certain size. Around
90% of pig producers have entered into a health advisory contract with a
veterinarian. There are between 9 and 12 annual advisory visits to sow herds
and between 4 and 6 annual advisory visits to finisher herds. The number of
visits is increased as deemed necessary in matters relating to animal welfare,
use of medicines and animal health.
Herds with no health advisory contract must have at least one annual visit by a
veterinarian.
If the antibiotic consumption limit is exceeded in any herd, this will trigger a
“yellow card” from the authorities, which will result in increased monitoring
and action plans will be required.
Quarterly veterinary visits required.
Health advisory contracts are mandatory. Each 2 annual veterinary visits are required. In case
pig producer must have a contract with one
of finisher production, 1 annual visit per finisher
responsible veterinarian.
batch is required.
The veterinarian needs to visit each farm every
month and document his findings in a report.
All farms need a farm specific health plan and a
farm specific treatment plan, which has to be
updated on at least an annual basis.
Health status
All herds must have a declaration of their health status and Salmonella Level.
The herd’s health status is recorded in a database, which is in the public domain
at www.spf-sus.dk. Denmark has Trichina-free status.
Herd health plan required.
Quarterly veterinary reports submitted to
Certification Body.
No central health supervision
No central health supervision
Prescription of medicine or antibiotics
Vets may dispense and supply medicine if it is used within 5 days. Vets may not
make more than 5% profit on medicines.
Medical prescriptions require a diagnosis by the herd vet and must be dispensed
according to the vet’s instructions.
Vets may sell medicine.
Prescriptions require a veterinary diagnosis.
Vets can sell medicine. Antibiotics may only be
prescribed for seven days.
Prescriptions require a veterinary diagnosis.
Vets can sell medicine. Prescriptions require a
veterinary diagnosis.
Registration of medicine usage
Pig producers must register the herd’s medicine usage.
Pig producers must register the herd´s medicine
usage.
Pig producers must register the herd’s medicine Pig producers must register the herd’s medicine
usage.
usage.
Monitoring medicine usage
Medicine consumption is registered in the VETSTATdatabase with information
on the animal group, herd owner and veterinary level.
The results are published each year in the DANMAP report.
Central monitoring, but proposals under
consideration for monitoring at individual
herd/species level
No central monitoring
Central monitoring. Registration at herd level is
being worked on within the framework of the
industry.
Total usage of antibiotics – all meat types
(2011)
42.6 mg antibiotics/kg animal (biomass)
51.2 mg antibiotics/kg animal (biomass)
113.9 mg antibiotics/kg animal (biomass)
211.5 mg antibiotics/kg animal (biomass)
Health advice
6
Trial measurement of ‘welfare outcome
measures’ in finishing herds (‘Real Welfare’).
Danish pig production in a European context
Germany
7
Feed
The regulations concerning feed are largely the same across all EU countries.
Since 2000, there has been an EU-wide ban on meat-and-bone meal (MBM) in feed for pigs.
Since 2006, the use of antibiotic growth promoters has been banned in the EU. However, Denmark, among a few
others, introduced earlier bans.
Country-by-country, specific rules apply. Use of blood products and animal fat are not permitted in the UK and
in Denmark in the Contract for UK Production. In Denmark fishmeal may not be used for finishers above 40kg
in weight.
Denmark/Danish
Denmark/UK Contract
England
Holland
Germany
Production
Government control of feed industry. Feed must be purchased from
Danish authorised or QS approved feed companies. Official controls
comprise one annual audit and 4-6 annual inspections.
Home-mixers subject to government control.
Compound feeds may only be purchased from
UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Schemes)
approved feed companies.
Raw materials must be from FEMAS approved
supply chain.
Home mixers must follow Industry Code of
Practice for On-farm Feeding.
Feed can only be purchased from GMP+
approved feed companies.
Feed can only be purchased from QS approved
feed companies.
Meat-and-bone meal
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Blood products
Permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Animal fat
Permitted
Not permitted
Fat accounts for 1-3% of the feed mix and
both vegetable and animal fats are used.
Not permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Antibiotic growth promoters
Not permitted since 2000
Not permitted since 2006
Not permitted since 2006
Not permitted since 2004
Catering by-products, food waste etc
Food waste is permitted as long as it does not contain
protein from livestock.
Catering waste not permitted, but certain food
industry by-products allowed.
Food waste is permitted as long as it does not
contain protein from livestock.
Food waste is permitted as long as it does not
contain protein from livestock.
Fish meal
Fish meal may not be used for finishers above 40kg.
Fish meal permitted
No restrictions on use of fish meal.
No restrictions on use of fish meal.
GMO
Use of GMO feed is permitted
Use of GMO feed is permitted
Use of GMO feed is permitted
Use of GMO feed is permitted
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Danish pig production in a European context
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Housing and welfare
Under EU law, all pregnant sows must be loose from four weeks after service to one week before expected
farrowing.
In the UK, sows must be loose-housed from weaning to seven days before expected farrowing. The same rules
apply in Denmark in the Contract for UK Production.
The Danish pig industry’s goal is that 10% of sows must be in free farrowing systems by 2020. From 2021, the
objective is that all newly built units should be designed for loose-housed lactating sows.
All countries have requirements for permanent access to manipulable materials, but there is a difference as to
which materials comply with the requirement in each individual country. In Denmark, the materials used must
be of natural origin (e.g. straw, wood, rope, etc). In Denmark there are also additional requirements for rooting
materials.
All countries have requirements for hospital pens. Denmark has stricter requirements for the design and the
number available.
Denmark/Danish
Denmark/UK Contract
England
Holland
Germany
Pregnant sows
Housed in accordance with EU legislation.
The pen must not be narrower than 3m.
There must be straw on the solid or drained
flooring.
No confinement from weaning until 7 days
before predicted date of farrowing - otherwise
requirements as per the Danish standard.
No confinement from weaning to 7 days before
predicted date of farrowing.
At least 2.8 m between the sides of the pen in
indoor systems.
Around 40% of the UK breeding herd is kept
outdoors.
Housed in accordance with EU legislation.
At least 2.8 m between the sides of the pen.
Housed in accordance with EU legislation.
At least 2.8 m between the sides of the pen.
Farrowing pens
Housed in line with EU legislation.
Appropriate nest building material in sufficient quantities is required,
unless this is technically impossible because of the slurry system used
at the farm. The piglets must have an area that is separate from the sow.
If necessary, there must be a source of heat.
The Danish pig industry’s aim is for 10% sows to be loose in the farrowing
pen by 2020. After 2021 all newly built farrowing units must be designed as
loose systems.
Housed in line with EU legislation.
Appropriate nest building material in sufficient
quantities is required, unless this is technically
impossible because of the slurry system used
at the farm.
The piglets must have a thermally comfortable
and dry lying area.
Housed in line with EU legislation.
Appropriate nest building material in sufficient
quantities is required unless this is technically
impossible because of the slurry system used at
the farm.
The piglets must have an area that is separate
from the sow. There must be a source of heat.
Housed in line with EU legislation.
Appropriate nest building material in sufficient
quantities is required unless this is technically
impossible because of the slurry system used at
the farm.
The piglets must have an area that is separate
from the sow. There must be a source of heat.
Weaning of piglets
After 28 days.
The average in 2012 was 31 days.
Not before 28 days or 21 days for batch production
After 28 days or 21 days for batch production
After 28 days or 21 days for batch production
Enrichment and rooting materials
All pigs must have permanent access to sufficient quantities of straw
or other manipulable rooting and enrichment material.
Enrichment and rooting material must be of natural materials and in
contact with the floor. Chains alone are not acceptable.
All pigs must have permanent access to sufficient All pigs must have permanent access to maniquantities of enrichment and other rooting
pulable materials.
materials. Chains alone are not acceptable.
Chains with plastic hooks are permitted.
Flooring for piglets and finishers
Since 2000, it has been forbidden to build stalls with fully slatted floors.
With regard to newly built stalls, at least half of the floor for piglets and
at least one-third of the floor for finishers must be solid or drained.
This will apply to all systems from 2015.
Fully slatted floors are permitted provided
minimum slat and opening widths are observed.
40% solid floor for piglets and finishers required. Fully slatted floors are permitted
Sprinkling systems
All pigs over 20kg (including sows) must have access to a sprinkling
system or another system that can keep the pigs cool.
No regulation
No regulation
No regulation
Hospital pens
There must be an adequate number of hospital pens so that there is
always at least one pen readily available for sick animals.
The number of hospital pens must correspond to at least 2.5% of the
total number of indoor pen places for loose pregnant sows.
Hospital pens required. Isolation of animals with
infectious diseases required.
Hospital pens must be well ventilated and
warm and dry.
Sick or injured animals must be isolated in a pen
with dry and comfortable straw bedding.
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Danish pig production in a European context
All pigs must have permanent access to manipulable materials. The material must be harmless
and adequate.
Chains with plastic hooks are permitted.
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Housing and welfare continued
Denmark has requirements for sprinkling facilities to be available to enable pigs to regulate their body temperature in hot weather. In Denmark, this requirement is for all pigs weighing over 20kg.
In Denmark, there are requirements for pain relief to be administered before castration of male piglets. Although
castration is not illegal in the UK, it is not permitted in the assurance schemes.
In most other EU countries, tail-docking is allowed within the first few days of life. In Denmark, only half of the
tail can be docked, and there must be evidence that other measures have been taken to minimise the risk of
outbreaks of tail-biting.
Since 2000, fully slatted floors have not been permitted in Denmark in new units and will be prohibited in all
weaner and finisher units in Denmark from July 2015.
Denmark/Danish
Denmark/UK Contract
England
Holland
Germany
Castration
Pain relief must be administered before castration takes place.
Anaesthetic must be used if castration is carried out 7 days after
farrowing.
Castration is not permitted by RTA standards.
According to UK legislation, castration is
permitted up to the seventh day after farrowing
Pain relief must be administered before castration takes place.
Anaesthetic must be used if castration is carried
out 7 days after farrowing.
Pain relief must be administered before castration takes place.
Anaesthetic must be used if castration is carried
out 7 days after farrowing.
Tail docking
Not permitted on a routine basis, but permitted if it can be documented
that measures have been taken to prevent tail biting. Only permitted
between day 2 and 4 after birth and no more than half of the tail may be
docked.
Only within the first 72 hours after birth and not
on a routine basis.
Docking of part of the tail no later than seven
days after birth.
Docking of part of the tail no later than four days
after birth.
Tooth reduction
Piglet teeth clipping or grinding is allowed up to
72 hours after birth, but not on a routine basis.
Tooth clipping is allowed within the first seven
days after birth.
Tooth clipping is allowed within the first seven
days after birth.
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Tooth clipping is not permitted. Tooth grinding is allowed, but not on a
routine basis. Tooth grinding must take place within the first four days
after birth.
Danish pig production in a European context
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The environment
EU legislation permits a maximum application of 170kg of nitrogen per hectare from livestock manure per annum.
Denmark has stricter requirements and the maximum permitted level is 140kg nitrogen/ha.
There are no specific requirements under EU legislation for the storage of slurry. To prevent evaporation of
gases into the environment from a slurry tank, Denmark requires that the slurry tank must be covered or have
a floating cover.
The minimum requirement for utilization of nitrogen in pig slurry in Denmark is 75%. In EU countries like Germany
and the Netherlands, the requirement is 60-65%.
Danish farmers have to establish an annual plan for the cultivation of crops and the handling of manure. They
must also draw up a special environmental report with all relevant information for the authorities to ensure
that environmental requirements are being adhered to.
Feed consumption is an important contributor to emissions of greenhouse gases. According to the life cycle
analysis of pork (LCA), grain cultivation is the main contributor.
Efficient feed conversion is crucial in terms of reducing environmental impact. The better the pig’s feed utilisation,
the lower the impact, because the pig needs less feed to grow each kg in weight.
Denmark/Danish
Denmark/UK Contract
England
Holland
Germany
Application of nitrate (N)
Maximum 140kg N/hectare
Maximum 170kg N/hectare, although up to
250kg N/hectare on grass
170kg N/hectare
170kg N/hectare
Storage of slurry
Storage capacity must equate to at least 9 months’ production.
Slurry tank must be covered or have a floating lid.
6 months’ storage capacity
6-9 months’ storage capacity – depending on
region – required.
Slurry storage requirements are not known
and there are no specific requirements in EU
legislation.
Slurry spreading and utilisation of nutrients
Slurry spreading may only take place in the growing season, i.e.
from 1 February to harvest and from harvest to 1 October for
winter crops.
The minimum requirement for the utilisation of nitrogen in the
slurry is 75 %.
Apart for the period from August to November,
slurry may be spread more or less throughout
the year.
UK has an action plan requiring the utilisation of
nitrogen in pig slurry of 35%
.
Requirements covering time of spreading not
known and there is no specific EU legislation.
Requirements for 60-65% utilisation of nitrogen
in the slurry.
Requirements covering time of spreading not
known and there is no specific EU legislation.
Requirements for 60% utilisation of nitrogen
in the slurry.
2.85
2.62
2.81
2.92
Feed conversion: Kg feed/kg carcase incl.
sow carcase weight. Comprises feed for sows,
piglets and finishers (2012)
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Danish pig production in a European context
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Transport
At a general level, all countries follow the EU’s regulations regarding transport of live animals (1/2005).
For Denmark, the meat industry has taken initiatives to improve animal welfare and controls during transport.
All pigs are transported in small groups and, where possible, in the same pen groups on the farm, as this means
less stress and calmer animals. In addition, Danish hauliers are required to provide mechanical ventilation in all
new lorries. This is considered essential for pig welfare during transport.
All mortality during transport from farm to the slaughterhouse is recorded in Denmark: in 2012 it was at the
very low level of 0.006%.
Denmark/Danish
Vehicle requirements
England
Holland
RTA Livestock Transport Scheme.
Rules based on EU legislation.
Certain requirements additional to EU legislation, Rules based on EU legislation.
e.g. GPS on all vehicles.
Stocking densities according to EU legislation.
Pigs to be transported in groups of approx. 15 animals and,
wherever possible, in pen groups from the farm.
RTA Livestock Transport Scheme.
Stocking densities according to EU legislation.
Mixing is permitted
Stocking densities according to EU legislation.
Mixing is permitted.
Denmark/UK Contract
The abattoirs have introduced new requirements for vehicles
– such as mechanical ventilation, GPS systems, drinking water
and sprinkler systems.
Compliance with the requirements is checked on arrival at the
abattoir.
Group handling of finishers during transport Germany
Stocking densities according to EU legislation.
Mixing is permitted. There are maximum group
sizes for the transportation of piglets (up to 120
for 10kg pigs and up to 50 for 30kg pigs).
Training of drivers
From the early 1990s, everyone involved in the handling of animals
during transport was required to attend a course. This course was
replaced by formal training under regulation 1/2005, which came into
force on 1 January 2007.
RTA Livestock Transport Scheme.
Training requirements in place since 2008 via
Training requirements according to EU legislation EU legislation.
Training requirements in place since 2008 via EU
legislation.
Mortality during transport
0.006% in 2012
No statistics available
No statistics available
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No statistics available
Danish pig production in a European context
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Slaughterhouse
The environment at the slaughterhouse is important to ensure proper handling of the animals which in turn is
crucial to delivering good meat quality. Research has shown that the handling of pigs in small groups, and, as far
as possible, in stable groups (where the pigs are bred and transported together), provides for calmer pigs and
therefore less stress. In small groups, pigs calm down more quickly and the level of aggressive behaviour is kept
to a minimum, even in cases where pigs from different units are put together. Thus, it is good animal welfare
practice for pigs to be kept at the slaughterhouse in small, stable groups right through to stunning.
In Denmark, group handling of pigs prior to slaughter is common practice, and is becoming more widespread in
other countries.
Denmark/Danish
Denmark/UK Contract
England
Holland
Germany
Lairage
Group handling, which means that, as far as possible, pigs are
not mixed. All pigs are housed in small groups (approx. 15 animals).
RTA Meat Processing Scheme.
Mixing allowed, but some group handling
No group handling. Pigs are mixed.
No group handling. Pigs are mixed.
Training
Training of abattoir workers in animal welfare and handling of
animals is required.
RTA Meat Processing Scheme.
EU legislation has required training for Animal
Welfare Officers from 2013.
EU legislation has required training for Animal
Welfare Officers from 2013.
Staff are to be trained in line with the provisions
of the Infection Protection Act and this training
must be documented. Such training courses
are to be staged at least once a year in the QS
scheme.
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Danish pig production in a European context
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Food safety
Since 1993, Denmark has had salmonella controls that cover the entire chain from ‘farm to table’. The incidence
of Salmonella in fresh meat is very low. In 2012, the incidence in Danish pork was just 1.2%. The incidence of
Salmonella in Denmark is estimated to be low compared to most other European countries.
According to EU regulations, all countries must have a national residue monitoring programme, and the results
must be reported annually.
There have been no positive analyses for hormones, heavy metals or pesticides in Danish pig meat, since the
current Danish monitoring programme began in 1985.
England
Holland
Salmonella monitoring
Denmark/Danish
Whole chain Salmonella surveillance and control programme since
1993 including feed, breeding herds, sow and finisher herds.
Public declaration of Salmonella levels in breeding, sow and finisher
herds.
Financial penalties for Level 2 and 3 herds. In addition, special transport
and slaughtering of Level 3 pigs.
Fresh meat surveillance, including sampling of pig carcases at abattoir
(carcase swab test).
UK Zoonoses National Control Programme
(ZNCP) now only includes on-farm salmonella
risk assessment, required by RTA Pigs Scheme
Monitoring via IKB system.
Surveillance via QS-system.
Comprises monitoring of finisher herds and fresh Comprises monitoring of feed, finisher herds and
meat surveillance.
fresh meat surveillance.
Prevalence of Salmonella (fresh pork)
According to EFSA (2008) prevalance is 3.3% (before chilling). In Denmark
salmonella testing occurs after chilling, which gives a more accurate picture
of the actual prevalence of Salmonella in fresh meat.
In 2012 prevalence was 1.2%.
According to EFSA (2008) study, Salmonella
prevalence on carcases was 13.5% (before
chilling).
Testing still occurs at abattoir, but no recent
national data is available.
Holland did not participate in the EFSA (2008)
study.
Current results not available.
Residue monitoring
National monitoring programme involving around 20,000 official samples
per year. (According to EU regulations, 0.05% of the number of slaughtered
animals per year must be tested, which corresponds to 9,500 in DK 2012).
In addition are approximately 14,000 own control testings (2012 figure)
for antibiotic residues.
National monitoring programme in accordance National monitoring programme in accordance National monitoring programme in accordance
with EU regulations.
with EU regulations.
with EU regulations.
Residue surveillance results
2012 figure - Number of positives above the MRL threshold:
Growth hormones: 0
Heavy metals: 0
Antibiotics: 1 finisher and 4 sows
Banned substances: 0
Pesticides containing chlorine, including dioxins: 0
EU Food Residue Monitoring Report (2011)
Growth hormones: 0
Heavy metals: 0
Antibiotics: 4
Banned substances: 0
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Denmark/UK Contract
EU Food Residue Monitoring Report (2008)
Growth hormones: 0
Heavy metals: 1
Antibiotics: 6
Banned substances: 3
Danish pig production in a European context
Germany
Germany did not participate in the EFSA (2008)
study.
Current results not available.
EU Food Residue Monitoring Report (2008)
Growth hormones: 7
Heavy metals: 39
Antibiotics: 327
Banned substances: 1
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Danish pig production in a European context
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Danish Agriculture & Food Council
Axelborg, Axeltorv 3
T +45 3339 4000
DK-1609 Copenhagen V
F +45 3339 4141
[email protected]
Wwww.agricultureandfood.co.uk