RunFree – Assessing leg health and preparing pigs for organic production

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 stocking density 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:

• Investigate farmers’ perceptions of pig leg health and the potential risk factors of the leg problems
• Follow pigs from birth to slaughter with a focus on leg health (read more about this in the study about Healthy organic pigs - from birth to slaughter)
• Investigate whether environmental changes in the pen early in the rearing process improve leg health
• Assess animal welfare, working conditions and other sustainability aspects of organic pig production at farm level

Collaborations

In this project we are collaborationg with advisors and farmers from Hushållningssällskapet and Jord på Trynet.

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.

See more?

Interview with Lise Pinaqui: About the project Run free - For pigs with soil on the snout and stronger legs – one step at a time

Meet the PhD-student working with the research project and follow along to a organic KRAV-farm in Sweden where pigs are running outside with soil on their snouts!