The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Ty Siriol on June 24, 2011, 08:42:20 pm
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Our four boars are going for slaughter in the next few weeks and I'm in the process of sourcing some replacement weaners.
My question is this. Would it be ok to move weaners from the breeders to our smallholding in a large dog transport cage which would be strapped into the back of our 4x4 pick up?
The pick up has a plastic bed liner which could be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected both before and after transporting the weaners.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
Martyn
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Hi Martyn,
That sounds ideal !
We moved our two gilts weaners in the back of our Citroen Picasso in a large cardboard box !! (We only had to travel about 5 miles so not that far)
They had some pig nuts to munch on for the journey and seemed to enjoy the ride.
I would expect you to know about the movement licence having pigs before and the 20 day shutdown so I guess the boars will be gone before the weaners arrive!
Regards
Robert.
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Hi,
Ive moved weaner's quite happily in a dog crate in the back of my vehicle, the pigs seemed to settle quite quickly as they had less space to move around in but make sure there is enough room so that they can all lie down at the same time, the only thing i did alter was to cover the cage so that it was a bit darker and the pigs couldn't see out or be spooked by things coming towards them.
Also the 20 day shut down doesn't count if the pigs you are moving off your holding are going to slaughter
Rob
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Thanks for the replies.
I guessed it would be ok, but wanted a second (and third) opinion :)
The boars are going off to slaughter albeit one at a time, so the 20 day rule does not apply in the instance.
Cheers
Martyn
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No Problem, We have learn't something to regarding the 20 day rule - Thanks for that Rob.
Regards
Robert.
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Legally - not a problem, it comes under EU regulation 1/2005 for you in Wales this is enacted under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Wales) Order 2006 - English Equiv The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 and another equiv for scotland.
Dog crates are ideal for moving them.
Presuming your journey is under 65km, then
You would need to protect from inclement weather - Chapter II 1.1a means of transport shall "protect the animals from inclement weather, extreme temperatures and adverse changes in climatic conditions" - in your case I would watch for drafts if it an open crate - you might want to put some plastic sheet/tarp round to make it more windproof and protect from rain if needed. For instance 10 miles in cold wet conditions at eight weeks is not good for them, never mind the regs!
You will need to provide bedding - Chapter II Section 1.5 "Piglets of less than 10 kgs shall be provided with appropriate bedding material or equivalent material which guarantees their comfort appropriate to the species, the number of animals being transported, the journey time, and the weather. This material has to ensure adequate absorption of urine and faeces." - so some straw in the bottom.
Technically you need to indicate the presence of animals Chapter II 2.1 "Vehicles in which animals are transported shall be clearly and visibly marked indicating the presence of live animals, except when the animals are transported in containers marked in accordance with paragraph 5.1.
Para 5.1 saying "Containers in which animals are transported shall be clearly and visibly marked, indicating the presence of live animals and with a sign indicating the top of the container"
You should make sure the container cannot move around Chapter II 5.2 "During transport and handling, containers shall always be kept upright and severe jolts or shaking shall be minimised. Containers shall be secured so as to prevent displacement due to the movement of the means of transport."
On size of container Chapter VII sections D "All pigs must at least be able to lie down and stand up in their natural position."
An of course means of transport (the crate, and in your case the back of the pickup) must be "cleaned and disinfected" Chapter II 1.1d
All of above is really just good practise, but the EU has a reg for it !!
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We've always moved piglets in a dog crate, safe & secure for them & us ;D . Some straw in the crate helps them settle & keep cosy - just remember to burn it (the straw) as part of your bio-control.
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Thanks everyone for the replies.
A dog crate would be much easier than pulling a trailer just to transport a couple of 8 week old weaners.
Cheers
Martyn
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We have picked up both our batches of weaners in a large dog crate in the back of a transit - the 4 boars were 12 weeks old and had enough room so no probs ;D ;D
Tish