Sunprok has received a $2.89 million grant to help improve animal welfare practices across the industry. Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the federal grant would help SunPork, Australia’s largest pork producer, work towards eliminating the practice of tail removal from pigs.
“On this proposal SunPork will join with its research partners at pig farms across Australia’s eastern states, including Farrer producers PIC Australasia in Grong Grong and Rivalea just outside Corowa,” Ms Ley said.
SunPork chief executive officer and managing director Robert van Barneveld said pigs traditionally had part of their tail docked soon after birth to prevent tail biting later in life. He said this was a substantial reputational risk that could threaten the sustainability of Australia’s $5.3 billion pork industry.
“Eliminating docking will provide significant welfare benefits, enhancing people’s confidence in our industry, which then leads to improved market opportunities and returns for producers,” Dr van Barneveld said.
Project participants also include the Australasian Pig Research Institute, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit at the University of New England, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, Australian Pork Ltd and the RSPCA.
