Changes in the way pigs are cared for and housed are being pushed as initiated by Tyson Food's recent letter sent out to hog farmers. Being the second largest processor of pork, chicken and beef worldwide there is much pressure put on them in terms of ensuring the humane treatment for animals being used for their products. Several suggestions have been made in order to improve hog conditions which also lead to the alleviation of any damage on the surrounding community.
There are several issues addressed by this letter, the first of which is video monitoring. Tyson suggests that placing video cameras throughout your farm to ensure that employees are following proper procedures. This includes monitoring the treatment of animals, as well as making sure that employees are following protocols to reduce contamination or the spread of disease.
Another issue being raised concerns pain management and Tyson wrote in its letter that pain management for procedures like tail docking and castration should be provided for animals. However with the current scenario that no approved drugs are found for such pain management, Tyson suggests that farmers along with a trusted veterinarian discuss it along with its own corporate effort on research.
A harder opinion came from Tyson with regards to asking some farms to actually put a stop on the use of manual blunt force euthanasia in killing piglets. They should consider opting for more human alternatives as many can be found. Along with it came Tyson's suggestion for better housing conditions for animals. This should begin with sows and piglets being placed in rooms where they can actually move more freely - the basic point being raised by Tyson.
One more important issue, though not mentioned by Tyson in their letter, is agricultural waste management where hog farmers need to know about some easy ways to reduce the common waste problems just like foaming, crusting, sludge build-up and the reduction of odors and flies which waste pits and waste lagoons commonly attract.
Using a natural product such as AgraSphere, for example, is an easy way for farmers to deal with the issues and even prevent them before they occur. This product contains no chemicals and relies instead on natural bacteria microbes to eat away at the waste solids, helping to liquefy waste. You simply toss these biodegradable spheres into your waste pit or lagoon and they immediately begin releasing microbes. In addition to preventing problems, the nutrient value of the waste is improved, which means it can be better utilized as a fertilizer for crops and this can certainly add some extra income to your farming operation.
There are several issues addressed by this letter, the first of which is video monitoring. Tyson suggests that placing video cameras throughout your farm to ensure that employees are following proper procedures. This includes monitoring the treatment of animals, as well as making sure that employees are following protocols to reduce contamination or the spread of disease.
Another issue being raised concerns pain management and Tyson wrote in its letter that pain management for procedures like tail docking and castration should be provided for animals. However with the current scenario that no approved drugs are found for such pain management, Tyson suggests that farmers along with a trusted veterinarian discuss it along with its own corporate effort on research.
A harder opinion came from Tyson with regards to asking some farms to actually put a stop on the use of manual blunt force euthanasia in killing piglets. They should consider opting for more human alternatives as many can be found. Along with it came Tyson's suggestion for better housing conditions for animals. This should begin with sows and piglets being placed in rooms where they can actually move more freely - the basic point being raised by Tyson.
One more important issue, though not mentioned by Tyson in their letter, is agricultural waste management where hog farmers need to know about some easy ways to reduce the common waste problems just like foaming, crusting, sludge build-up and the reduction of odors and flies which waste pits and waste lagoons commonly attract.
Using a natural product such as AgraSphere, for example, is an easy way for farmers to deal with the issues and even prevent them before they occur. This product contains no chemicals and relies instead on natural bacteria microbes to eat away at the waste solids, helping to liquefy waste. You simply toss these biodegradable spheres into your waste pit or lagoon and they immediately begin releasing microbes. In addition to preventing problems, the nutrient value of the waste is improved, which means it can be better utilized as a fertilizer for crops and this can certainly add some extra income to your farming operation.
About the Author:
Lianne Derocco likes writing about agricultural matters. For further information about agricultural waste treatment solutions, please check out the BioverseAG.com website today.
No comments:
Post a Comment