This document provides an overview of managing housing and stocking density to optimize health, welfare, and production in pig herds, covering various housing systems, benefits, challenges, and future
Executive Summary
This document provides a comprehensive overview of managing housing and stocking density to optimize health, welfare, and production in pig herds. It covers various aspects such as welfare and sustainability issues, fundamental housing requirements, behavioral traits, potential indicators for housing assessment, and specific housing needs for different pig categories. The document also discusses the benefits and challenges associated with different housing systems and provides guidance on where to find further information.
Types and Examples
Housing Systems
•Indoor Systems: Buildings with or without outdoor access, focusing on climate control, space allocation, feed and water access, and manure management.
•Outdoor Systems: Allow pigs to express natural behaviors but come with higher disease risks and biosecurity challenges.
•Organic Farming: Includes indoor rearing with outdoor runs, outdoor farming with shelters, and mixed systems.
Specific Housing Requirements
•Sows and Suckling Piglets: Emphasis on environmental enrichment, escape opportunities, and nest-building.
•Nursery and Fattening Pigs: Focus on pen design, group size, feed systems, and flooring.
Benefits
•Improved Welfare: Enhanced living conditions lead to better health and reduced stress, supporting immune function and reducing disease incidence.
•Increased Productivity: Proper housing and management can lead to higher growth rates and better feed conversion.
•Regulatory Compliance: Meeting EU and national standards ensures legal compliance and can improve market access.
Challenges and Risks
•Economic Costs: High investment in infrastructure and ongoing costs for maintenance and enrichment materials.
•Disease Management: Higher risks in outdoor systems and challenges in biosecurity.
•Environmental Impact: Managing emissions and waste to minimize pollution and meet sustainability goals.
Where to Go Next
•Further Information: The document suggests looking into additional resources and references for more detailed information on specific topics.
•Future Trends: Emphasis on the need for continuous adaptation to new regulations and sustainability practices.