Pig Brother
Behind the scenes interviews
Model
Why did you agree to take part?
I agreed to take part in the experiment to see what the conditions were like for the sows to live in. I didn't really know much about what the pigs go through, so it was huge learning process for me.
Describe your experience in the human stalls
The human stalls were horrendous to be in. They were very small, with just enough space for us to stand up and sit down on a small seat that was used as a toilet too! Jamie told us that the sows would love these conditions, as the sow stalls would be much smaller than what we were put into!
The human stalls were very uncomfortable and it was impossible for us to get to sleep in. I got terrible back ache from being in there for about 22 hours, which was not long for the sows because they are kept in there for around 5 years! I also know why the sows are mentally damaged, as well as physically, because it is very boring being in one place with hardly any move-ability and no stimulation. I noticed that I was repeating myself with movement, for example; tapping the sides of the stall with my feet or hands.
It was very frustrating being inside the stalls and I found myself becoming irritable and bad tempered. Also, the food they fed us was what can only be described as slop, but apparently very nutritious!
What is the most important thing you think people could learn from Jamie's show?
I think the most important thing people could learn from Jamie's show is to always look and see where meat has come from. Also, to realise the suffering the sows have to go through, just so we can eat pork meat.
Always read the information on the back of the products in the supermarkets to see if it says free range, so you know the animals have not gone through suffering to bring you food! Paying that little bit extra will ensure the sows have died in a humane way.
Personal Trainer & Author of The Lunch Box Diet
Why did you agree to take part?
Being an active person who has choices about activity levels and the food I eat, I thought it would be interesting to find out what would happen if all of that was taken away from me. It also sounded like one hell of a challenge and a project with a real purpose – so I was in as soon as I was approached!
Describe your experience in the human stalls
Now there's something I will never forget. Initially it was fun, you're new home is tiny and it's a bit of a novelty. But after a few hours it really hits home how these animals are treated. I'm used to eating every couple of hours, so not being able to grab my regular lunch box of food was hard, my stomach started talking to me, and it wasn't happy. Those hamster feeders were ridiculous, very hard to get water from, but they were the point of humor a few times around. As for the portable toilets – I wanted to hold it in for as long as I could for the sake of my pig-mates, but when you've got to go, you've got to go! As the time passed, it got more and more challenging. Sleeping was impossible and with pigs getting fresh outside during the night, I was never going to have any time in the land of nod. I was happy to get out of my cage, and really felt for the pigs who spend up to five years in smaller spaces. What a horrid life that must be, and remembering they're intelligent as toddlers!
What is the most important thing you think people could learn from Jamie's show?
Buying British is important not only for the welfare of animals but to help the state of our economy at the moment, it has a knock-on effect for the farms down the chain. Plus why should we pump money into countries where they treat their animals like dirt off the bottom of your shoe.
Student
Why did you agree to take part?
Because I thought I might be able to help support the British pig industry, as well being able to help people make an informed choice about what they eat.
Describe your experience in the human stalls
Both the best and the worst experience of my life! The best because I felt that by being in there I could really make a difference and people might be able to relate to my experience and then think about pigs. The worst because it was very traumatic even though it was far better conditions compared to the reality of a real sow stall. My whole body ached for about three days afterwards and towards the 20th hour of being in there I just wanted to go home!
What is the most important thing you think people could learn from Jamie's show?
I hope that people will learn that our British pig farmers are in desperate need of our support. Our country has the highest welfare conditions in the world and hopefully rather than buying a cheaper imported pork, people will pay a little bit extra to support our farmers. As well as stop and think a little bit more about my favourite farm animal, the pig.
