Day 020 - 28 Jul 94 - Page 59


     
     1        and it was not conclusive to that sort of examination, the
              amount of time and facilities available.
     2
         Q.   So that was not something you did?
     3        A.  No.
 
     4   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  It is not that easy.  They are all built
              like scrum halves and difficult to catch?
     5        A.  There is the voice of experience, I think!
 
     6   MS. STEEL:   Why are pigs put in a finishing unit?
              A.  "Finishing unit" is just a name given for
     7        accommodation where they are taken from, in this case, 45,
              40 kilos live weight, I believe, up to the weight at which
     8        they are due to be slaughtered.  It is just a generic name
              for accommodation.
     9
         Q.   Why are they put there instead of staying outside?
    10        A.  I suggest you address that question to Mr. Bowes.
 
    11   Q.   Right, would one of the reasons be to fatten them up?
              A.  Correct.
    12
         Q.   Right.  That would be done by feeding them, as you say,
    13        and they would not be running around in fields expending a
              lot of energy?
    14        A.  That is one possible explanation.  Can I add one
              point, though, that usually in outdoor farrowing units,
    15        once the piglets are weaned they are transferred to indoor
              accommodation.  So, this period where they were in a
    16        kennel or semi-outdoor system on grass up to 40 kilos live
              weight is unusual, in my view, so .....
    17
         Q.   Right.  Do you know how long they had been using this
    18        system?
              A.  No, I do not.  At least, I do not recall.  I may have
    19        been told but I do not remember.
 
    20   MR. MORRIS:  Did it look new to you?
              A.  They have been having outdoor farrowing for a number
    21        of years.  They have a lot of experience in it.  It is a
              matter of years of experience they have had.
    22
         MS. STEEL:   Could you tell us roughly what age 40 kilograms
    23        live weight would be?
              A.  It might be around 12 weeks.  I am guessing now.  It
    24        depends on the growth rate of pigs.  It is a wee while
              since I have been weighing pigs
    25
         Q.   You are not sure? 
    26        A.  I am not certain.  It is around 12 weeks, if you want 
              a rough idea, may be younger. 
    27
         Q.   May be younger?
    28        A.  Yes, may be younger.  Ask Mr. Bowes for an accurate
              figure.
    29
         Q.   It would not be older than 12 weeks?
    30        A.  Ask Mr. Bowes for an accurate figure if you are
              requiring an accurate figure.

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