 Original article written by Dave Lefever
As of Jan. 1, Ohio swine breeders are operating under a new openpen sow housing rule that limits the use of gestation crates. The new regulation allows breeding/gestation stalls to be used only during post-weaning for a period of time that “seeks to maximize embryonic welfare and allows for the confirmation of pregnancy."  Original article written by Vincent ter Beek
Swine producers in New Zealand have 10 more years to convert to systems without farrowing crates. That is the outcome of legislation that was approved in the New Zealand parliament early in December. The deadline for the transition is now 18 December 2035  Original article written by Vivi Aarestrup Moustsen
When most people think of a pigsty, they probably imagine a simple room with feed and room for the animals to grow. But how complex are the needs of pigs in reality? Modern pig production reveals that it is about much more than just square meters and feeders. It is an advanced science that intertwines animal psychology, climate control and intelligent design to create optimal conditions, writes pig housing and welfare expert Dr Vivi Aarestrup Moustsen.  Sustainable Solutions was featured in Target’s 2025 Sustainability Report as a partner for our work advancing animal welfare in global supply chains. We’re proud to support Target in strengthening responsible sourcing and embedding animal welfare into its broader sustainability strategy. Find us on page 36 in the report here or in the report below.
Reach out to Janice at [email protected] or send her a message on LinkedIn to arrange a Humane Sourcing Assessment of your supply chain for 2026.  Original article written by Sunita van Es-Sahota in Poultry World
The US egg industry has undergone a fundamental decade-long transformation, moving from a standard commodity market to a sophisticated, value-added sector primarily defined by the shift to cage-free production, according to a recent analysis by Rabobank.  Original article written by Fabian Brockötter in Poultry World
Industry leaders including Kellanova, Compass Group, Lagardére, Best Western, and PizzaExpress are adopting a novel hybrid cage-free sourcing strategy involving the first of its kind Impact Incentives (cage-free credits) to meet commitments and support local farmers
Original article written by Francesc Molist
Tail biting is a nagging problem in swine production. Increasingly, especially in the EU, tail docking is no longer considered to be the way ahead, which forces the industry to ask why tail biting occurs. Housing, feeding systems as well as diet formulation all have a role to play, explains nutrition expert Dr. Francesc Molist of Schothorst Feed Research in the Netherlands.  Original article posted in Market trends/analysis on PoultryWorld.net
Researchers have said that companies concerned about increased costs and emissions of birds reared along the lines of the European Chicken Commitment can be assured that these costs are minimal.  Original article by Mariska Varmaas
Animal welfare is making history in the Netherlands. In early July 2025, a total of 11 stakeholders, including farmer organizations, processors and marketing organizations, retailers, social interest groups and the authorities, signed a roadmap towards better animal welfare in livestock production. The ambitions are thought to cost billions of euros. |
