Breeding animals should be reared in good quality free-range or pasture-based systems. Within the housing environment, this includes access to natural light, good ventilation, comfortable and hygienic lying and resting areas, and sufficient space and resources to move around freely, control their body temperature and perform normal, species-specific behaviours.

SPCA is opposed to housing conditions which physically confine and restrict normal behaviours including social behaviours.

Breeding animals are often kept in close confinement and are isolated from other members of their species. This results in boredom and frustration, and therefore compromised welfare. This includes male breeding animals, such as breeding boars are kept in boar crates, and breeding bulls are kept in isolation in barren pens.

SPCA opposes any reproductive technologies which may compromise animal welfare, such as electroejaculation.

Animals used for mating must be of good health and appropriate age and size. If reproductive technologies are used, the option with the lowest impact on welfare needs to be prioritised. Staff performing reproductive technologies need to be competent and have received appropriate training.

SPCA opposes the practice of electroejaculation because it likely causes pain and stress. The collection of semen should be done in ways which do not harm the welfare of male breeding animals.

SPCA opposes the use of farrowing crates, including temporary crating systems, for breeding sows.

SPCA opposes the use of commercial breeds of animals where food restriction throughout production is necessary for parent stock.

Many parent animals are feed restricted, but this leads to feelings of chronic hunger, stress and frustration.

SPCA opposes eyestalk ablation of female breeding prawns.

This practice is carried out to stimulate reproduction, but it has significant negative effects on the health and welfare of female prawns, for example increased mortality, increased susceptibility to disease, changes in feeding behaviour, and behaviours indicative of pain. Alternative husbandry practices which do not compromise welfare, such as modifying nutrition and light intensity, can used to achieve the necessary productivity levels; however, more research is needed to establish alternatives to eyestalk ablation at a commercial scale.