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KEY POINTS- Assessment of bone health and preparation of pigs for organic production
Project overview
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Short summary
Background
In Sweden, the same breeds are used in organic pig production as in conventional systems. However, these breeds are bred for high efficiency and are adapted for intensive production with rapid growth. Consumers expect animal welfare to be particularly good in organic production. Pigs have more space and access to outdoor exercise in yards or on pasture, providing a more challenging environment and increased opportunity for movement.
Carcass inspection at slaughter shows that organic pigs have a higher risk of joint problems, such as osteochondrosis, than conventionally produced pigs, despite using the same breeds. Osteochondrosis is influenced by many factors but increased activity in organic pigs may be part of the explanation. Although previous studies have found that organic pigs are less affected by lameness and injuries than pigs in conventional production (where pen occupancy is higher), the proportion of lame animals is still high, which is contrary to the goal of improved animal welfare in organic production.
Paradox: Better environment and painful problems
Today, it is not known how common and severe these problems are in Sweden, but the paradox that pigs offered a better outdoor environment still have painful leg problems needs to be addressed. Ensuring good leg health for organic pigs leads to better animal welfare, which is valued by consumers, and it can increase demand for organic pork.
About this project
That is why this PhD project aims to investigate leg problems in organic pigs. The project is done in collaboration with farmers and advisors in different sub-studies to:
- Map the prevalence of bone problems in organic pigs with different genetic backgrounds
- Improve and develop methods to assess bone health in live pigs over time
- Investigate whether environmental changes in the pen early in the rearing process improve bone health
- Assess animal welfare, work environment and other sustainability aspects of organic pig production at farm level
Organic pig farmer? Take part in the study!
If you are an organic pig farmer in Sweden and are interested in this project, please click on the link above and answer our survey, or contact us for more information!
Questions or concerns
You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions or comments about the project. You can find the project members and our common email address on this page.