A Comparison of Stocking Methods for Pasture-Based Growing-Finishing Pig Production Systems.

Silvana Pietrosemoli,Maria Jesús Villamide,James T Green

doi:10.3390/ani10101885

Abstract

Simple SummaryA sustainable pasture-based production system should provide benefits to the vegetation, soil and animals while providing means of economic support for the household that operates the system. If best management practices are implemented, this would allow the development of resilience for the pasture system and ameliorate the natural resources for present and future generations. Pasture-based pig production represents a production alternative for small scale or limited-resources farmers, offering them the possibility to brand their products. The implementation of best management practices would allow managers to reach productive and conservation goals. This study was conducted to compare the effects of continuous, rotational and strip-grazing stocking methods for growing-finishing pigs on tall fescue pastures. Stocking methods had effect on soil bulk density and some soil nutrients, vegetative ground cover, animal weight gain and feed use efficiency. The rotational and strip grazing stocking methods offer potential to improve the sustainability of pasture-based pig systems.Two alternative stocking methods (rotational and strip-grazing) were compared to continuous stocking at a stocking rate of 47 pigs ha−1 in tall fescue pastures. The research was conducted during two twelve-weeks grazing periods in North Carolina (USA). In total 144 (females and castrated males, 17.5 and 29.1 kg initial body weight) crossbred Yorkshire X Berkshire, Yorkshire/Landrace X Hampshire and Yorkshire/Landrace X Duroc pigs without nose rings were used. Greater soil bulk density and soil concentrations of NO3−, P, K, Mn, Zn and Cu were observed in paddocks managed continuously, while greater final ground cover (+22%) was recorded in paddocks managed with rotational and strip-grazing stocking methods. No differences were detected in botanical composition of the paddocks. Greater weight gains (+8.5%) were registered for rotationally managed pigs. Feed efficiency was better (+8%) for rotationally than for continuously stocked pigs, while strip-grazed pigs presented intermediate values. The results indicated the potential of both alternative stocking methods to be implemented in sustainable pasture-based pig production systems.

Highlights

The sustainability of pasture-based animal production systems has social, environmental and economic implications
It was expected that the implementation of rotational stocking methods would enhance soil properties within the paddocks, improve ground cover persistence, sustain appropriate animal performance and increase soil nutrient uptake by the forage growing on the pastures
The implementation of best management practices is the initial step to reach sustainability with the purpose being to reduce the impact of animal production on the environment and to optimize the efficiency, productivity and profitability of pasture-based systems

Summary

Introduction

The sustainability of pasture-based animal production systems has social, environmental and economic implications. Sustainable grazing systems are grounded on the principles of improving the cycle of nutrients of grassland ecosystems, enhancing the vegetation, increasing the biodiversity and improving the performance of grazing animals [2]. The adoption of one or another management strategy can represent a significant difference on the productivity, environmental impact and the sustainability of a production system [1,3]. Adequate management strategies need to be implemented to fulfill the varied functions and services of grassland ecosystems [2]. According to Motta-Delgado et al, a sustainable pasture-based production system should provide benefits to the vegetation, the soil and the animals, while providing means of economic support for the household. The implementation of best management practices would allow for the development of resilience of the pasture system and conserve and ameliorate the natural resources for present and future generations [1]

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Conclusion