Farm Animals

Pig Castration Welfare and Alternatives

Surgical piglet castration remains widespread globally to prevent boar taint, but welfare-conscious alternatives are increasingly available and adopted.

Key Facts

Approximately 100 million piglets are surgically castrated annually in the EU
UK bans castration without anaesthesia but many EU countries perform it without pain relief
Entire male production avoids castration but requires tight weight control
Immunocastration using Improvac eliminates surgery while achieving comparable meat quality
Consumer acceptance of uncastrated male pork is increasing with education

Welfare Considerations

Surgical castration without anaesthesia causes severe acute pain followed by days of post-operative discomfort. The welfare case for shifting to immunocastration or entire male production is compelling and supported by robust evidence.

What You Can Do

Support retailer commitments to immunocastration or entire male pork supply chains
Advocate for EU ban on surgical piglet castration without anaesthesia
Choose pork from certified immunocastration or entire male programmes
Learn about boar taint and why the alternatives are welfare improvements