N.J. Admin. Code § 2:8-7.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 2:8-7.4 - Keeping

(a) The swine's environment must provide relief from the elements, such as excessive wind, excessive temperature and excessive precipitation, that result in hyperthermia or hypothermia detrimental to the swine's health.

(b) Relief pursuant to (a) above can be accomplished with natural features of the environment including, but not limited to, trees, land windbreaks, overhangs or other natural weather barriers, or constructed shelters.

1. Where constructed shelters are provided, they shall:

i. Be of sufficient size to provide adequate space for each animal seeking shelter within to stand, lie down, rest, get up, be able to turn around freely, and fully extend the animal's limbs;

ii. Be structurally sound;

iii. Have a safe interior surface, reasonably free of injurious matter;

iv. Have natural or mechanical ventilation to provide air quality and maintain an environment suitable for the animals;

v. Provide an environment that supports swine health; and

vi. Be maintained at a level of repair such that they continue to fulfill the requirements of (b)1i through v above.

2. Stalls that do not allow a sow or gilt to turn around freely or allow them to fully extend their limbs may be used to feed and monitor individual sows and gilts and to minimize injury to piglets during the 14-day period prior to the date of giving birth or during any day when the pig is nursing.

i. The gilt or sow's head must not have to rest on an adjacent feeder.

ii. The gilt or sow's rear quarters must not be in contact with the back of the stall with her nose in contact with the front of the stall.

iii. The gilt or sow's head must not have to rest in the water trough.

iv. A pregnant gilt or sow's stall must be wide enough to allow the sow to stand up and lie down unimpeded, rest, and move its head freely.

3. The confinement standards set forth at (b)1i and 2 above shall not apply to the following activities:

i. Medical research;

ii. Examination, testing, individual treatment, or operation for veterinary purposes, but only if performed by or pursuant to the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, either in-person or through a telemedicine appointment;

iii. Transportation;

iv. State or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, or similar temporary exhibitions; or

v. Humane slaughter, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

(c) If enclosed yards are used to contain swine, the following conditions shall be met:

1. Sharp objects or debris that pose an actual threat to the swine's health shall be minimized to reduce the risk of injury to the swine.

2. If stationary objects that pose a risk of injury cannot be removed, reasonable efforts must be made to minimize contact of the swine with these objects by fencing off or covering the object, or through similar means.

(d) Constructed floor surfaces on which swine are kept must provide footing that minimizes injury to the swine.

N.J. Admin. Code § 2:8-7.4

Amended by 56 N.J.R. 889(a) effective 5/20/2024