Reference model for animal welfare in the Spanish pig sector
The commitment to the quality of life of animals is reflected in every stage of the production process in the white pig sector. From farms to slaughterhouses, the practices implemented demonstrate a deep dedication to ethics, sustainability and quality, which benefits both animals and consumers.
In Spain, animal welfare regulations are some of the strictest and most comprehensive in the world, and include limitations on the size of farms, minimum distance between them, feeding and rest conditions, and biosecurity measures during transport. In addition to these, there are various actions by INTERPORC, which have an impact on maintaining and improving animal welfare.
Among them, the creation of 'B+ Commitment to Animal Welfare' stands out. This seal has a technical regulation developed by a committee of experts that imposes on the companies that adhere to it additional requirements based on the five freedoms and the 12 principles of animal welfare of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
These are even more demanding standards than those established by law, compliance with which is also verified through external audits carried out by accredited entities that guarantee objectivity and rigor in the evaluations.
Although this is a voluntary certification, the large number of companies that have opted to adhere to it demonstrates the desire for transparency and continuous improvement of the Spanish pig sector in terms of animal welfare.
True animal welfare
The concept of animal welfare included in the INTERPORC B+ label is based on the five freedoms established by the OIE, which state that an animal must be free from hunger, thirst and malnutrition; free from fear and distress; free from physical and thermal discomfort; free from pain, injury and disease; and free to express natural behaviours.
These principles translate into specific practices on farms, such as providing enough space for pigs to move freely, designing housing to ensure their comfort and safety, and offering a balanced diet supervised by veterinarians.
This approach ensures that all pigs receive the right amount of nutrients, preventing malnutrition and promoting healthy growth. In addition, management practices include constant monitoring of the animals' health status, allowing for rapid interventions in the event of illness or injury.
Biosecurity is another fundamental pillar of animal welfare. Measures include strict controls during animal transport, rigorous hygiene protocols and the implementation of physical and sanitary barriers to protect pigs from pathogens. Continuous training of workers ensures that high standards are maintained at all stages of production.
Furthermore, animal welfare does not end on the farm. Slaughterhouses in Spain are subject to strict regulations up to the moment of slaughter. For example, continuous image recording systems in areas where live animals are kept allow monitoring and ensuring good practices. These recordings are stored for at least one month and are available to official veterinary services, allowing constant surveillance and the detection of any irregularities.
Benefits for the consumer
The impact of these animal welfare measures goes beyond the welfare of the animals. By improving the living conditions of pigs, the quality of pork products is also improved and consumers can be assured that the meat they buy comes from animals that have been raised and managed according to the highest welfare standards.
This confidence in the quality and ethics of Spanish pork production promoted by INTERPORC is a key factor in the reputation of the sector at an international level. It is a recognition of a production system that has led Spain to be the second largest exporter in the world and the main supplier of pork products to many of the most important markets in the world.
Contributions to sustainability
Commitment to animal welfare also has positive implications for the sustainability of the entire sector chain, as practices that promote animal welfare often go hand in hand with those that reduce environmental impact.
For example, biosecurity measures and improved housing conditions contribute to more efficient and sustainable production. Reducing disease and better resource management are benefits that translate into a smaller environmental footprint and more responsible use of natural resources.
Furthermore, INTERPORC and the Spanish pig sector continue to innovate and seek new ways to improve. Animal welfare research and collaborations with scientific and academic institutions allow companies to be at the forefront of best practices in production, feeding, transportation, food safety… And, if that were not enough, the adoption of new technologies and methods, such as artificial intelligence and data analysis, promises to take animal welfare practices to even higher levels in the future.
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