Switzerland-New rules on pig castration.

SWITZERLAND-PIG CASTRATION.

Castration of male piglets without anaesthesia will be banned in Switzerland by 2010. As alternative solutions there are the following methods: castration with Isoflurane narcosis and vaccination against boar taint. The vaccination against boar taint is favoured by veterinarians, animal welfare and consumer groups and represents an optimal solution for producers. The method is absolutely safe for consumers, improves feed conversion and increases meat quality. Vaccinated pigs have more meat and less fat. MIGROS, MICARNA and BELL, the largest Swiss retailer and two important processors have decided to accept only meat from castrated animals. They herewith completely close the channels for meat from the animal friendly vaccination method and force producers to continue surgical castration. Swiss producers are forced to invest 60 million CHF (€39 million) into Isoflurane narcosis machines. For small producers the investment of procuring the apparatus will not be affordable. In addition up to ten percent of the piglets will continue being castrated in pain as the gas narcosis is not fully efficient.

The Swiss Federal Council had issued a statement following the interpellation of national assembly member Maya Graf on Feb. 18, 2009 where it was concluded that "Isoflurane narcosis is not really suitable for a broad implementation in the pig production market" and that costs for small and intermediate producers are high with 4-10 CHF per piglet. In Europe the trend is clearly showing towards a complete ban of castration. Isoflurane narcosis is a dead end.

Pig breeders, fatteners, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and consumers resist the decision of the retailers and processors to continue castrating piglets. They have therefore founded an interest group against this decision and against compulsory castration with the following goals:

— Breeders and fatteners refuse to invest into expensive gas narcosis machines (15’000 CHF) showing solidarity.

— The pig channel (QM channel and conventional production) has to open for meat from vaccinated animals as of January 1, 2010.

— No discrimination of vaccinated animals and no prohibitive slaughter costs at the abattoirs.

— Pro-rata participation of additional costs through the new legislation by all partners of the value chain.

— Gain support for the implementation of feasible and animal friendly methods.

— Protest against the decision of retailers and processors in media and politics together with animal welfare and consumer groups.