Organic Pig Production - Helpful Tips

Hi, I'm Megan Cavanaugh and I am Gabriela Lima and we're graduate research assistants at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities working with organic pigs at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, also known as the ROC. Over the last year and a half we have raised nearly 500 organic pigs to evaluate the effects of feeding and bedding organic pigs with hybrid ride. In that time we have been able to reflect on the success we have had with organic pig farming and we would like to share them with you. Tip number one, prepare yourself. If you are new to raising pigs organically or transitioning from a more conventional setup, you may need to make changes to meet the needs of your organic pigs. Certified organic pigs need to have access to the outdoors and the ability to exercise at all times. However, it can be tricky to keep your pigs securely enclosed in an outdoor space. At the ROC we provide our pigs access to a fenced-in concrete area that extends outward from the barn, but for farmers utilizing a pasture or soil flooring system we recommend securing fencing and fence posts deep within the soil so your pigs are unable to dig them out. Tip number two, provide your animals with adequate indoor and outdoor space. While organic pigs must have constant access to the outdoors, that does not limit the farmer to strictly producing pigs in a pasture setting. Additionally, certified organic pigs are not weaned until they are at least six weeks of age or older. That means it is important for farmers to provide extra space for their nursing pigs to grow into. Organic regulations do not specify how much space allowance is adequate, but our current growing finish in pen size provides about 25 square feet per pig. This offers extra room for pigs that may fight with one another, while also optimizing pig growth performance. Tip number three, ensure that all pigs have access to clean and dry organic bedding. Certified organic pigs are required to have access to clean and dry bedding from a certified organic material, such as organic wheat straw. Clean spaces can be beneficial to the health of all animals, but especially to young pigs. Here at the ROC we utilize a deep bedding system where newer dry straw is routinely added on top of used bedding to ensure that pigs constantly have access to a clean space to lay. Then, as the used bedding begins to compost, it is also providing additional heat to the pigs. Tip number four, monitor and use preventative health techniques. Use of antibiotics is not allowed in organic pig production, which can require farmers to take a different approach to managing their animals' health. Some of the previously mentioned tips can work as preventative health measures, but other techniques include using non-genetically modified vaccines, giving an iron shot within the first week of life, and consistently checking all pigs for any early signs of sickness. It is important that organic farmers treat sick pigs with antibiotics and remove them from their organic herd when welfare concerns arise. Lastly, tip number five, feed your pigs a nutritionally balanced organic diet. Organic pigs must eat a diet that is composed of certified organic feed ingredients. Organic farmers often feed their pigs a wide variety of feed ingredients that are not used as commonly in conventional pig farming. Consulting with your local feed mill and swine nutritionists can help organic farmers use local and sustainable feed ingredients while ensuring that the dietary needs of their pigs are met. We hope you found these tips to be helpful. For more information on organic pig farming or organic pig research, check out our website at wcroc.cfans.umd.edu.