Stopping the castration of male pigs is complex. All the links in the production chain face their own challenges which, on the one hand, demand investment and, on the other, add value.
Among other things, the five-year research programme catalogued the economic effects of detecting boar taint. Stopping castration offers financial and immaterial advantages to pig farmers. Many of the costs are however lodged in the phases after pig rearing. The introduction of the HN test at slaughterhouses demands investment in staff and tools. Although society’s appreciation for animal welfare measures is high, slaughterhouses can also be confronted by possible complaints and disfavour from buyers. The researchers calculated whether a slaughter line detection system was economically feasible.
Detailed information can be obtained straight from the researcher in question. The (English-language) research report and contact details are available at boars2018.com.