January 29, 2007

Smithfield Foods to phase out gestation stalls

Pork processor Smithfield Foods announced it would phase out gestation stalls or crates at all 187 sow farms it owns in eight states and replace them with "more animal-friendly" group housing pens over the next decade.

The sows, which Smithfield says grow to an average of 400 to 450 pounds during gestation are kept in 2-by-7-foot metal crates in order to monitor their progress during their four-month pregnancies.

Animal-rights groups argue confining pigs in crates is inhumane because the sows do not get room to turn around, develop leg problems and suffer from boredom and frustration. Group pens give sows some room to move and the ability to socialise.

Smithfield has agreed to replace stalls with pens or group housing over the next 10 years.

The group pens, Smithfield is considering could house from six to 55 sows, depending on the size of the barns, which need to be retrofitted, said Dennis Treacy, vice president for environmental and corporate affairs.

Smithfield is still determining the cost of the changeover but does not expect it to affect prices for its pork products because the expense will be spread out over 10 years and offset by production efficiencies, Treacy said.

The Humane Society of the US called the Smithfield's decision "the most monumental advance for animal welfare in the history of modern American agribusiness".