Problematic hormone banned from indigenous breeding in Switzerland

Press release of the Swiss Farmers' Union and Suissepigs of 2 May 2022 The animal industry prohibits by private law the hormone PMSG intended to treat fertility problems in sows. The questionable production conditions and contrary to the high standards of animal welfare in indigenous agriculture are the basis of this decision. The new requirement applies to all meat from farms registered with AQ-Viande Suisse, a program that covers almost the entire market. Today, the Animal Production Standing Committee of the Swiss Farmers' Union (USP) has accepted the request of Suissepigs to dispense with the hormone PMSG in indigenous farms registered in the basic program AQ-Viande Suisse. This hormone is obtained from the blood of pregnant mares and is used in some cases to treat fertility problems in sows. The discovery that the availability of the hormone continues to be made under cruel conditions for mares is the basis of this decision. Collecting this hormone in Europe (Iceland) rather ...