Many European countries are introducing measures to reduce the number of castrations of male pigs. Southern and Eastern European countries being the most reticent to do so with the exception of Spain where a large proportion of the pigs are not castrated.
The research programme ‘Boars Heading for 2018’ asked European pork chain stakeholders for their opinions. Over 80% of them were convinced that this is an irreversible process. The biggest challenges stated were market acceptance and a reliable boar taint detection method. A European taskforce has since been set up to support the process. Knowledge and experience will be exchanged and additional research will be carried out.
Detailed information can be obtained straight from the researcher in question. The (English-language) research report and contact details are available at boars2018.com.