The draft code on sow crates has finally been released for public discussion.

It recommends sow stalls and farrowing crates be eventually phased out, but does not suggest a date for the total change.

Animal Welfare Advisory Committee chairman Dr John Hellstrom says they are holding off an immediate, complete ban until other separation methods are brought in, as pigs can be aggressive and inflict severe injuries on each other, especially in early pregnancy.

In the meantime the report suggests pigs be kept in stalls or crates for no more than four weeks after mating or farrowing and recommends that time limit be introduced on January 31, 2013.