EXAM 1: Alternative Production Flashcards
What is one of the oldest ways of raising pigs
Pasture farrowing/finishing operations
pasture production systems, also known as outdoor or grazing systems, appeal to farmers who want to ___________
expand operation without making large capital investments
pasture operations usually have lower ____________ and poorer ____________ that confinement operations, they offer easier _________ management, less odor, and better air quality
weaning rate
feed efficiency
manure
In order to be successful in pasture operation, what two things are necessary
- pasture rotation
- intensive management
Is pasture farrowing/finishing operations used for all stages of production?
YES
- most ideal for gestating sows
-finishing pigs for niche market (whole foods)
pros of pasture farrowing/finishing operations
low-cost facility (if you already have the land)
-watering systems
- shelter/shade
-fencing
-feeder
Pasture farrowing systems need what three main things?
- portable feeders (spread out over several acres, animals distribute manure naturally—-> A-frame/calf hutches)
- watering systems
- fencing
when selecting a hut, farmers should consider the structure’s ability to
moderate temperature extremes
keep pigs dry/out of drafts
minimize pig crushing by sow
what kind of bedding might be used in pasture operations
low-quality grass hay
whole or ground corn cobs
baled cornstalks
straw
shredded newspaper
cons of pasture operations
portable housing required
lowest weaning rates (nurse for longer ~60d)
fewest pigs weaned/sow/yr (trampled, laid on, easily chilled, predators)
In pasture farrowing, each acre typically has _________ sows and litters
7-15
one litter system
also called all-gilt
gilts farrow ones, usually during summer and then sold
gilt pigs from the one litter system are then raised and bred to farrow one year later
two litter system
sows farrow in spring and fall
produce two litters per year avoiding the extreme summer/winter weather
average weaning age of pasture farrowing systems
60d
in pasture systems, feed accounts for ___ to ___% of the total cost of producing hogs
60-70
outdoor raised hogs typically have poorer/lower ___________ and __________ when compared to confinement-raised pigs
feed efficiency
average daily gains
potential causes of slower growth in pasture raising include
feeding animals in large groups
greater internal parasite infestation of pigs
crowding
higher consumption of feed in winter
higher feed wastage from wind/spoilage/consumption from pest
digestability of fiber improves as pig _______
matures
Potential causes of slower growth in pasture raising include
feeding animals in large groups/crowding
greater internal parasite infestation of pigs
higher consumption of feed in winter
higher feed wastage from wind/spoilage/consumption from pest
gestating sows should be fed approximately __ to____ pound of complete feed while on pasture
2-3
Finishing pigs should have free access to _________________ at the same time they are grazing pasture
complete feed
what is one of the biggest advantages pasture systems have over confinement housing
healthy environment it offers to both the pigs and producers
pasture vs. confinment health
respiratory disease minimized (=better lungs)
lower health expenses
less foot/leg problems
More foot lesions (better feet and legs but since outside= abscess that can go unnoticed)
Rigorous parasite control is required
careful observation of pigs (social/fighting)
environmental considerations regarding pasture operations
evenly distributed manure
waste products are broken down by hoof, weather, soil organisms (less odor, flies)
important to maintain vegetative cover to prevent erosion
where did deep bedded systems start
denmark
deep bedded systems
Low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to confinement structures where bedding is used
Barns can be modified confinement buildings, huts, or hoop barns
deep bedded system are most commonly used with
gestating pigs (need feeding stalls)
finishing pigs
Deep bedded systems are the most popular alternative to confinment barns because
cost less
require less maintenance than traditional confinement
quick/relatively easy to build
can be used for other things when hog prices are down
how deep does bedding need to be in deep-bedded systems
14-16 inches deep (for around 200-300 pigs)
examples of summer bedding
soybean fodder, corn stalk, shredded paper, rice hulls
examples of winter bedding
low quality straw
low quality hay
are gestating sows fed similarly to gestating sows in confinement
YES
***those in deep-bedded slightly increases in winter
pigs finished in hoop structures are generally fed a _______ diet, ad lib similar to pigs finished in confinement
grain
deep bedded finishing vs. confinement (size and meat)
greater weight variation because of competition
smaller loin eye area
more backfat, less muscle
require more feed/pound gain (during winter because barn is colder)
what are some things that keep deep-bedded building warm in winter
pigs own heat
compositing bedding
deep straw
**pigs will bury themselves
Deep-bedded gestating vs. confinement health
fewer feet/leg problems
decreased culling and mortality
equal repro performance
lower feed cost
deep-bedded finishing vs confinement health
lower plasma cortisol
faster growth in summer
lower mortality in summer
higher mortality in winter
fighting
less tail biting/naval sucking
environmental consideration/impact of deep-bedded systems
manure and urine mix with large amounts of carbonaceous material and composted year around
Run-off/environmental hazards can be reduced
nitrogen leaching from manure packs
Odor is minimized
good ventilation
in deep bedded housing, what is the most commonly used barn type
hoop barns
