Archive for the 'News' Category
The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) today publishes two Opinions on its website – www.fawc.org.uk:
- Opinion on Enriched Cages for Laying Hens;
- Opinion on Beak Trimming of Laying Hens.
Professor Christopher Wathes, Chairman of FAWC, said “These Opinions aim to advise Government, including the devolved administrations, about contemporary welfare issues facing laying hens. We also intend this advice to have relevance to the Governments’ position on an EU Commission Report on the Protection of Laying Hens that is expected soon.”
These Opinions represent a new form of advice reflecting changes within the structure of the Council and in how it presents its advice to Government on farm animal welfare issues. An Opinion is a brief report outlining the major causes of concern for animal welfare and making recommendations for improvement within a restricted scope. The aim is to be responsive to specific issues in a shorter timescale than that needed for the traditional FAWC report.
Other Opinions to be published next year will address the welfare of farmed game birds, the longevity of the dairy cow, and policy instruments for welfare. Four investigations are also in progress that will lead to major reports. continue reading »
February 26 2008 | News | No Comments »
THE British pig industry is still showing improved production performance according to the latest cost of production survey published by the British Pig Executive (BPEX).
The report, which covers 13 countries for the year 2006, shows that while the UK continues to have some of the highest production costs advances are being made in terms of performance.
Post-weaning mortality has continued to decline, with more pigs being finished per sow, and average daily liveweight gains have increased by 16g.
Mick Sloyan, BPEX chief executive, said: “The top third of British producers are already on a par with the rest of Europe, which is an encouragement to the rest of the industry to attain the same levels.”
For a free copy of the report call 01908 844281 or email tony_fowler@mlc.org.uk.
February 25 2008 | News | No Comments »
A Welsh farmer developing a new breed of sheep, the Monsa, has seen the first lambs born – a set of triplets.
Out of a South African Dorper by a Zwartbles ram, they ‘came out like a dream and are three cracking lambs’, says John Rowlands of Ysgubor Fawr, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey. The breed was featured in Farmers Guardian in November.
He is aiming for a wool-less breed combining the meat qualities of the Zwartbles with the Dorper’s hardiness traits and believed disease resistance. Dorpers are thought to be impervious to bluetongue, although there is no scientific evidence as yet.
Mr Rowlands had planned to have a further 13 Dorper ewes and a ram at his home to increase his purebred numbers but – ironically – they have had to remain in England because of the bluetongue movement restrictions.
Following testing, it is hoped they will soon be able to travel to Anglesey under the current vector-free period arrangements.
http://www.farmersguardian.com/
February 25 2008 | News | No Comments »
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