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Why selling pig semen to China is nothing to cheer about Why selling pig semen to China is nothing to cheer about
(about 17 hours later)
It has been announced today that the UK and China have agreed a £45m pig semen export deal. That's a figure not to be sniffed at. Selling our pigs' semen to the world's biggest pig producer would be a boost to British exports and good for our country's economy. What isn't touched on in coverage of the deal is the welfare aspect. What conditions will the resulting pigs be kept in, in China? It raises the ethical discussion that comes up time and time again: just because we can do something, does that mean we should?It has been announced today that the UK and China have agreed a £45m pig semen export deal. That's a figure not to be sniffed at. Selling our pigs' semen to the world's biggest pig producer would be a boost to British exports and good for our country's economy. What isn't touched on in coverage of the deal is the welfare aspect. What conditions will the resulting pigs be kept in, in China? It raises the ethical discussion that comes up time and time again: just because we can do something, does that mean we should?
The reason China is so interested in British pigs, among other foreign semen and breeds, is simple economics: our pigs grow faster, have a lower fat-to-meat ratio and higher reproduction rates than their Chinese counterparts. UK breeders have sows that could produce more than 30 piglets each year, while Chinese sows bear fewer than 16. It takes approximately a year for native Chinese pigs to reach slaughter-weight. Our pigs take just five months. China's rapidly growing urban middle-class has developed a taste for pork and demand for the meat is soaring.The reason China is so interested in British pigs, among other foreign semen and breeds, is simple economics: our pigs grow faster, have a lower fat-to-meat ratio and higher reproduction rates than their Chinese counterparts. UK breeders have sows that could produce more than 30 piglets each year, while Chinese sows bear fewer than 16. It takes approximately a year for native Chinese pigs to reach slaughter-weight. Our pigs take just five months. China's rapidly growing urban middle-class has developed a taste for pork and demand for the meat is soaring.
What's not to like? Well, the selection of modern pig breeds has led to a number of welfare issues, including rapid growth rates putting pressure on the heart and lungs to keep up, more competition at the udder in increased litter sizes and leaner animals having a predisposition to tail biting.What's not to like? Well, the selection of modern pig breeds has led to a number of welfare issues, including rapid growth rates putting pressure on the heart and lungs to keep up, more competition at the udder in increased litter sizes and leaner animals having a predisposition to tail biting.
Add to this the fact that sows in China are almost certain to be kept in stalls. It is unacceptable that we will be exporting pig semen to a country that keeps pigs in conditions that are illegal in the UK. In addition, the abattoirs in China hugely vary in slaughter standards, but overall standards are far lower, as China has little animal welfare legislation.Add to this the fact that sows in China are almost certain to be kept in stalls. It is unacceptable that we will be exporting pig semen to a country that keeps pigs in conditions that are illegal in the UK. In addition, the abattoirs in China hugely vary in slaughter standards, but overall standards are far lower, as China has little animal welfare legislation.
Ultimately, this export deal is designed to increase productivity, which doesn't factor in the welfare of the millions of animals in question, and it is not a long-term solution to feeding the world. Enough food is already produced to feed the world, but the problem is that much of it is wasted. The answer is not to continually intensify animal agriculture, confining livestock to factory farms. This only makes the problem worse and adds to the waste we already generate.Ultimately, this export deal is designed to increase productivity, which doesn't factor in the welfare of the millions of animals in question, and it is not a long-term solution to feeding the world. Enough food is already produced to feed the world, but the problem is that much of it is wasted. The answer is not to continually intensify animal agriculture, confining livestock to factory farms. This only makes the problem worse and adds to the waste we already generate.
Some might suggest we should come up with a solution as opposed to just pointing fingers. In order for me to put my proverbial money where my mouth is, Compassion in World Farming has just launched our Good Pig award programme in China. Our aim is to persuade companies to step up their animal welfare standards. I hope we will help producers to benefit the lives of pigs and other farm animals in ways that also makes for improved food quality and better business.Some might suggest we should come up with a solution as opposed to just pointing fingers. In order for me to put my proverbial money where my mouth is, Compassion in World Farming has just launched our Good Pig award programme in China. Our aim is to persuade companies to step up their animal welfare standards. I hope we will help producers to benefit the lives of pigs and other farm animals in ways that also makes for improved food quality and better business.
We need to encourage everyone, be it in China or here at home, to curb food waste, overconsumption of meat and intensive farming. Eating less, but better meat from animals reared in higher welfare conditions would have a significant impact on consumer health and animal welfare. It is healthier, less expensive and sustainable. Can we create a £45m to work on that? We need to encourage everyone, be it in China or here at home, to curb food waste, overconsumption of meat and intensive farming. Eating less, but better meat from animals reared in higher welfare conditions would have a significant impact on consumer health and animal welfare. It is healthier, less expensive and sustainable. Can we create a £45m deal to work on that?
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