The Age Determination Of Porcine Fetuses Against The Background Of Illegal Delivery Of Highly Pregnant Mammals For Slaughtering

Since 1 September 2017, it is prohibited in Germany to deliver a highly pregnant mammal for slaughter. To enable enforcement by the competent authority an age determination of the fetuses is mandatory. As part of a research project on the slaughter of pregnant farm animals, funded by the BMEL, 338 pig embryos and fetuses were examined. The crown-rump length was measured as well as the stage of development of the eyelids, the tooth penetration and the characteristics of fur development. A crown-rump length of more than 19 cm, separated eyelids and the tooth penetration of the milk incisors are characteristics of fetuses in the third trimester. For the age determination of pig fetuses, however, further data collection and an evaluation of previous literature references are required. Only exact and up-to-date data on the age determination of the fetuses of modern hybrid pigs will enable the official control in view of the prohibition to deliver a gravid mammal in the third trimester to an abattoir.