Our research aims at improving performance and welfare of pigs in alternative systems.  Alternative swine systems are animal welfare-friendly and environment-friendly systems, which provide animals freedom of performing natural behavior, eliminate liquid manure output, and reduce odor emission.  For any alternative approach to be viable, it must be profitable for the producers, yield high quality pork for the consumers, and enhance animal well-being.  To this end, we have developed a program to achieve these goals. 

Our swine scientists have conducted studies on group housing for gestating sows, deep-bedded farrowing facilities, and hoop structures for growing and finishing pigs. 

For example, hoop barns at WCROC house finishing pigs in large groups on beds of straw.  The straw acts as an insulator from cold temperature and as a sponge to absorb excrement.  Our studies indicated that hoop barn pigs grow as fast as those held in conventional confinement systems; hoop barn pigs require more feed to gain the same amount of weight as confinement pigs.  However, this cost for additional feed is largely offset by the low cost of constructing a hoop barn. 

Another example is our deep-bedded farrowing facilities.  Farrowing/lactating sows are housed in a small group with individual, straw-bedded, farrowing pens.  The sow farrows and nurses her piglets in the pen, and socializes with other sows in the communal activity area.  While addressing sow well-being, we also work on sow productivity.  Our initial studies indicated that sows in the bedded farrowing system farrow 12 live-born, weaned 8.8 piglets per litter and suffered 26% preweaning mortality of piglets.  A study investigating causes of piglet mortality is under way.             

To guide our study and elicit feedback, we appreciate the help of the Alternative Swine Housing Task Force and Producer Round Table Discussion groups.  These groups meet in seven areas across the state to discuss issues regarding the management, marketing and performance of swine in alternative systems.  While the group members are able to share practical knowledge with each other, their discussions also show us where additional research is still needed.  This insures that our work remains relevant and ahead of the curve.     

MISA (Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture) http://www.misa.umn.edu/Integrated_Livestock.html