Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Lower production costs for the farmer (labor, feed)
• Permanent buildings are not needed.
• Pigs are under less stress (less cannibalism, less aggression).
• Manure is used in the pasture.
• The pigs' immune systems are stronger.
Problems with pasture-raising pigs
• Pigs grow more slowly (involves more costs to raise).
• Pigs may have an increase in internal parasites.
• Pigs can escape from fencing.
One thing that should be mentioned is that pigs that spend time in the pasture are usually
happy. Although that fact by itself cannot determine whether you raise your pigs in the pas-
ture, it is an important consideration.
If you are interested in pasture-raising your pigs, it is estimated that good pasture can provide
between 30 and 50 percent of the nutritional value of grain. You will need to supplement your
pigs' diets, especially if you have pregnant sows. Farmers who become seriously interested in
pasture-raising pigs usually plant diverse fields of grasses and legumes so they can graze their
pigs rotationally. This offers their pigs the widest range of nutrition and keeps the pastures
from becoming overgrazed.
Fencing and Pens
Fencing and pens for your pigs do not have to be complicated, but they do need to be sturdy
and well installed. Pens are often part of pig housing with an indoor sleeping area for pigs. In
other cases, pens can be used as a
drylot
. Just as it sounds, a drylot is a large, dry lot on dirt
where pigs are kept. You can plan to keep one large hog in 150 square feet of space in a
drylot.
Whether you are putting up a pen for a drylot or as part of a housing setup, the pen needs to
be designed for the pigs you intend to keep in it. If you use rails or planks, for instance, small
shoats will wiggle their way between them. If you use woven farm wire that is not strong
enough, some hogs will be able to push it over or push through it. Hog panels are a good
choice to contain your pigs because they are designed with pigs in mind.
Hog panels
are all
metal, woven-wire, and easy to move. They also attach easily to metal posts, which makes
