The New Jersey Senate has concurred with the New Jersey Assembly in adopting legislation that bans the use of gestation stalls for pregnant sows, and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPPC) has urged Gov. Chris Christie to veto the legislation.Â
NPPC told Christie that the majority of pork producers use gestation stalls because they allow for individualized care of sows and prevent aggression by one sow on another. (A survey commission by NPPC last year found that 83% of pork producers use gestation stalls [Feedstuffs, June 11, 2012].)
NPPC also told Christie that the American Veterinary Medical Assn. and American Association of Swine Veterinarians have recognized both gestation stalls and group pens as appropriate housing for providing for the well-being of sows during pregnancy and that there is no scientific consensus on the best housing system as each has advantages and disadvantages.
The legislation was pushed by The Humane Society of the United States and other animal activist groups.
NPPC said "few, if any, of New Jersey's small number of hog producers use gestation stalls." The bill sent to Christie "is a solution in search of a problem," said NPPC president-elect Dr. Howard Hill at Iowa Select Farms.