Welcome

This site is providing information on the subject of surgical castration of male pigs.
In the European and international markets there are many different views on the issue of castration and non-castration.
Therefore, the European Commission and representatives of European farmers, meat industry, retailers, scientist, veterinarians and animal welfare NGO’s committed a plan to voluntarily end surgical castration of pigs in Europe by January 1st, 2018.

To reach this goal the conference Boars heading for 2018 was organized.
Delegates have discussed challenges and chances, in the marketing of the meat of non-castrated male pigs.

Conference

It was a pleasure to welcome you at the International Conference Boars heading for 2018 on November 30th and December 1st, 2011. A scientific satellite program was organised on December 2nd, 2011.

 The International Conference Boars heading for 2018 has attracted 140 participants from various European and non-European countries.  The participants were representatives of  the meat industry, retailers, farmers, scientist, veterinarians, animal welfare NGO’s, breeding companies, pharmaceutical industry and journalists. The scientific satellite program attracted  65 scientists from 10 European countries, who shared results of 24 research projects.

Seven speakers have cast their light on the plan to end surgical castration of pigs in Europe by January 1st, 2018. The speakers were:

• Mr. Andrea Gavinelli  - DG Health and Consumers
• Mrs. Maria Angels Oliver, IRTA
• Mr. Marcello Marchesi, Martini group, on behalf of Assocarni
• Mr. Hubert Kelliger, Westfleisch
• Mr. Michel Courat, Eurogroup for Animals
• Mrs. Annechien ten Have, LTO varkenshouderij  
• Mr. Ge Backus, LEI Wageningen University and Research centre

The objectives of this Conference were:

• exchange knowledge and facts
• inventorise the European challenges
• find possible directions for solutions in the various European countries.
• enable delegates to network and build and strengthen relationships

The final goal was to explore, develop and work together to meet the European declaration on alternatives for surgical castration of pigs 2018.

Organization

The Conference was organized by Wageningen University and Research centre in close co-operation with the Organizing Committee consisting of organizations and companies in the Dutch pork production chain.

Links

• Introduction movie Boars 2018
• Presentations of the speakers
• Presentations of the scientific program
• Photo’s Boars 2018 
• Website European Commission Alternatives for pig castration

Upcoming Events

12.09.2012 - Alternatives to surgical castration of pigs: Main Actions of the European Partnership. Meeting organised by the European Commission.