October 21, 2024

 

SunPork unveils new maternity ring for stall-free pork production

Australian pork producer SunPork has introduced a new patented 'maternity ring' aimed at achieving stall-free and farrowing crate-free pork production, Food Processing reported.

 

This development comes after years of research and efforts to enhance sow welfare during the farrowing period, when sows nurse their piglets.

 

The maternity ring, a suspended oval-shaped hoop, allows sows greater freedom of movement, encouraging natural nesting behaviour and social interaction, while reducing the risk of rolling, which can injure piglets.

 

SunPork has committed to transitioning its entire operation to be 100% crate- and stall-free. This process involves the introduction of the maternity ring, the removal of mating stalls, and the earlier elimination of gestation stalls.

 

SunPork is the largest pork supplier by volume to Woolworths, and through their strategic partnership, the company will gradually shift all its supply to crate-, cage-, and stall-free systems over the coming years.

 

Dr Robert van Barneveld, CEO of SunPork Group, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "We tasked the team with finding a commercially viable alternative to farrowing crates that not only eliminates confinement during farrowing and lactation but also improves the welfare of the sow while safeguarding her piglets. I am proud of what our team has accomplished."

 

He highlighted the potential for Australia's pork industry to lead in pig welfare globally, noting that this solution benefits sows, piglets, producers, and consumers alike.

 

Anna Speer, Managing Director of Woolworths Group's red meat business, Greenstock, commended SunPork's efforts, saying, "This advancement demonstrates the pork producers' commitment to animal welfare, and we applaud SunPork for leading this breakthrough."

 

The maternity ring meets key criteria for commercial viability, including maintaining the current farrowing footprint, ensuring employee safety, and aligning the transition cost with the replacement cost of existing farrowing crates.

 

Scientific research on the maternity ring has been published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The study identified several benefits, including increased movement for sows, improved physical condition and lactation efficiency, reduced stress behaviours, and better piglet outcomes, such as improved weight and lower medication use.

 

Considering these welfare benefits, RSPCA Australia has expressed support for the maternity ring as a replacement for farrowing crates. SunPork shared the maternity ring's blueprint and scientific evidence at a meeting of Australian Pork Limited Delegates.

 

The company is making the design available to the wider pork industry, sharing its knowledge with peers and competitors. Dr van Barneveld emphasised that animal welfare is a collective goal, stating, "Now that we have found an alternative, the industry needs time to consider and adopt it."

 

SunPork has partnered with Stockyard Industries in Queensland to manufacture and distribute the maternity rings, offering training and development through the University of Adelaide Roseworthy piggery, which is operated by SunPork.

 

-      Food Processing