Overview
RFP: Animal Well-Being – Housing
The U.S. pork industry is dedicated to advancing animal welfare and production efficiency. In response to evolving regulatory landscapes and consumer expectations, the National Pork Board’s (NPB) Sow Housing Task Force is seeking proposals for a comprehensive 5-year research plan focused on farrowing housing. This initiative aims to provide U.S. pork producers with scientific insights to understand and address the issues and concerns observed in European countries that have moved away from traditional farrowing housing, including the use of farrowing crates.
This RFP will not fund the research listed in the 5-year plan; instead, the RFP is soliciting a 5-year research plan that NPB intends to use as the basis for a future RFP that will fund research on this topic over the next 5 years.
This research endeavor aligns with the NPB’s overarching goal of building trust within the swine industry. It underscores several of the We Care ethical principles, particularly those related to Animal Well-Being. Through targeted research and practical industry solutions, the NPB aims to reinforce its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in pork production.
What Valuable Research Question Does this RFP Address?
The NPB’s Animal Welfare Advisory Group, comprised of producers, veterinarians, and subject matter experts, has identified addressing these issues and concerns as one of the top priorities for animal welfare research in 2024. Building on this recommendation, the NPB’s Sow Housing Task Force has outlined the following research priorities below for a 5-year research plan focused on farrowing housing.
The knowledge gained through this 5-year project will position the pork industry to proactively address sow housing system challenges. By anticipating and responding to potential regulatory and market demands, the industry can stay ahead of changes, ensuring continued compliance and competitiveness.
This research plan represents a strategic investment in the future of the U.S. pork industry, ensuring that the industry continues to build trust with consumers and add value to the industry through research and education.
Research Priorities
The 5-year research plan is to be organized around a set of closely related projects focused on improving sow and piglet welfare and productivity.
The research plan may include but is not limited the following areas:
- Identification of Knowledge Gaps in Current Research: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify existing knowledge gaps, prioritizing both immediate and future research needs. This will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within farrowing housing systems.
- Prioritize Research Areas for Analysis: Identify key priority areas to focus the gap analysis, exploring solutions including but not limited to replacing animal genotypes and retrofitting existing farrowing spaces to align with international compliance standards.
- Investigate Options for Environmental Enrichment: Identify and evaluate novel and promising options for environmental enrichment during farrowing in a conventional US farrowing housing system, including:
- Organic and reusable nesting materials that promote natural behaviors without compromising sustainability
- Solutions do not increase labor requirements, maintaining operational efficiency for producers
- Economical options that meet animal welfare requirements and address the practical needs of producers
- Options that do not impede the lying area for sows, thus supporting their comfort and well-being
- Provide a robust scientific basis for industry practices and decision-making processes: Develop evidence-based guidelines and best practices for farrowing housing systems independent of farm geographical location or farm size. The decision-making process should include estimated added costs due to changes in productivity and labor requirements.
Based on research indicating negative welfare implications, the plan will exclude free farrowing systems from consideration. This ensures that resources are focused on viable alternatives that support both animal welfare and industry sustainability.
By the end of the 5-year period, the research plan aims to:
- Provide actionable insights and practical solutions for improving farrowing housing systems.
- Enhance the welfare of sows and piglets through evidence-based practices.
- Equip producers with the knowledge and tools needed to comply with international standards.
- Strengthen the U.S. pork industry’s reputation for animal welfare and sustainability.
Criteria for Approval
Proposals must directly address the research priorities as outlined above. Submitters must submit proposals that are well-written with a defined budget and robust study design that clearly addresses the research priorities.
The research plan will be developed through a series of coordinated studies and pilot projects, engaging leading experts in animal welfare, veterinary science, and agricultural engineering. Collaboration with European counterparts will be essential to gain insights and share best practices. Regular progress reviews and stakeholder consultations will ensure that the research plan remains aligned with industry needs and regulatory developments.
Due Date
Research proposals for this RFP are due August 9, 2024.
Evaluation
Individual projects contained within the proposal must meet the same standards of scientific rigor and statistical validity as typical National Pork Board research grants. Poorly written proposals that fail to demonstrate how researchers will address research priorities will not be considered. Proposals that demonstrate cross-collaboration with multiple organizations across the pork industry and academia are preferred.
A research review committee comprised of pork producers and subject matter experts will evaluate each proposal for its approach to desired outcomes, application to and impact on the pork production industry.
Funding Amount
There is $50,000 available for this RFP. Budgets for submitted proposals should not exceed this amount.
Budgets not commensurate with proposed work or poorly justified will likely negatively impact the evaluation of the proposal. Indirect costs are not allowed; however, it is allowable to request salary and fringe benefit support. Preference will be given to proposals that seek additional funding.
Proposal Format Requirements
Submissions for this RFP should follow the National Pork Board’s standard instructions and format and requirements. Please ensure your proposal format includes all required information, specifically under the budget section.
Questions?
For questions, please contact:
Stephanie Wetter, MS PAS
Director, Animal Welfare
National Pork Board
