Pig welfare guidance

Definitions

9. For the purposes of this guidance, definitions of terms used in this guidance are summarised below. Some of these (marked with an asterisk*) are taken directly from the relevant legislation. Others are included to provide an explanation for the purposes of the guidance. Farming practices may vary as regards to age and system, but the guidance remains applicable accordingly.

‘pig’ (*) means an animal of the porcine species of any age, kept for breeding or fattening.

‘boar’ (*) means a male pig after puberty, intended for breeding.

‘gilt’ (*) means a female pig intended for breeding, after puberty and before farrowing.

‘sow’ (*) means a female pig after the first farrowing.

‘farrowing’ means the process of giving birth to piglets.

‘dry sow’ means a sow between weaning her piglets and farrowing.

‘piglet’ (*) means a pig from birth to weaning.

‘weaner’(*) means a pig from weaning to the age of 10 weeks.

‘rearing pig’ means a pig from the age of 10 weeks to slaughter or service. (This includes growers, stores and finishers.)

‘keeper’ means any person responsible for or in charge of pigs whether on a permanent or temporary basis.

‘owner’ means any natural or legal person or persons owning the pigs.

‘mutilation’ is a procedure which involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of an animal, otherwise than for the purpose of its medical treatment.