UK remains slow in developing farrowing alternatives

Progress in developing alternatives for farrowing crates remains slow in the UK, putting policy changes in farrowing housing in doubt.

Andrew Knowles, head of communications at the British Pig Executive (BPEX), expressed his doubt whether the UK government would impose any changes to farrowing housing on the British pig industry ahead of the rest of the EU.

Progress is slow despite ''positive efforts'' at the research level in the UK, while Denmark aims at devising a new system.

Knowles said it is at least another 10 years away before the UK could develop an acceptable farrowing alternative that is both welfare-friendly and economically viable.