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Self-assessment

1

Is the castration of pigs without painkillers allowed in the EU?

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Please select an answerThis is not correct because Norway and Switzerland (who has banned castration without painkillers) are not members of the EU.This is correct.This is not correct, castration performed before the seventh day of life is allowed in all EU countries.This is correct and lobby organizations are actively applying pressure to find alternatives.
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2

What was the historical reason for the castration of male pigs?

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Please select an answerThis is not correct. The pig (both sexes) is considered an unclean animal as food in Judaism and Islam. This is correct but the preference nowadays is lean meat.This is correct and we have to remember that animal welfare was not on the agenda in earlier days.
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3
What is the origin of boar taint?

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Please select an answerThis is not correct. The problem with boar taint is a combination of a steroid (androstenone) and a fermentation product (skatole).This is correct. This is not correct. The problem with boar taint has been scientifically explained although further substances might be identified in the future.
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4
Why is the castration of pigs criticized?

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Please select an answerCorrect. In recent years knowledge has been obtained on pain and sentience. Regulations for the treatment of animals as sentient beings have been put in force. European citizens are concerned for animal welfare (especially young people).No, this has not been the main reason. The castration is done routinely together with other treatments when the piglet is young. No, this has not been the main reason although it has been shown to be more economic for the individual farmer to stop castration.No, sustainability has not been on the agenda in relation to the issue of castration. In the future this might be a strong argument.
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5
What are the solutions for the production of entire male pigs without any boar taint?

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Please select an answerYes, this is the practice in the UK but the practice is not 100% secure and might need to be combined with a risk-based testing system. Maybe, the use of chemical substances for the castration of piglets is under discussion and in the future we will know if it can be accepted by consumers and citizens.Maybe, the use of castration with anaesthesia is a solution but it is labourintensive and a stressful procedure for the animals.Maybe, this might be a method for the future.
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6

In which countries is castration performed?

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Please select an answerYes, this is correct although some farmers, especially in Spain and Portugal, also keep entire male pigs. Yes, Norway uses anaesthesia at castration but produces only a few pigs.No, 25 million castrations are performed in Germany every year but it is correct that Germany conducts the most castrations in the EU.
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