Guide To Raising Pigs In A Pasture System

Guide to Raising Pigs in a Pasture System

Guide to Raising Pigs in a Pasture System

Raising pigs in a pasture system is an increasingly popular method of farming that focuses on utilizing natural resources for pig growth while promoting animal welfare and environmental sustainability. This system allows pigs to roam freely, forage, and engage in natural behaviors, which can improve their health, reduce stress, and provide high-quality pork. If you are considering raising pigs in a pasture system, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for successful pasture-based pig farming.

1. Understanding Pasture-Based Pig Farming

A pasture-based system is one where pigs are raised primarily on pasture or other outdoor spaces. This system contrasts with traditional confinement systems, where pigs are kept indoors or in small enclosures.

Key features of pasture-based pig farming:

• Outdoor Living: Pigs are allowed to root, forage, and interact with their environment, promoting natural behaviors.

• Improved Meat Quality: Pasture-raised pigs often produce meat with a richer flavor and healthier fat composition, which is valued by consumers.

• Animal Welfare: Pasture systems allow pigs to live in a more natural, less stressful environment.

However, a pasture-based system does require careful planning to ensure pigs have adequate shelter, food, and protection from predators and the elements.

2. Selecting the Right Breeds for Pasture Systems

Not all pig breeds are equally suited for pasture-based systems. When selecting pigs for a pasture system, consider the following factors:

• Hardiness: Some pig breeds are more suited for outdoor living, as they can tolerate varying weather conditions and thrive on pasture. Breeds like Berkshire, Tamworth, and Large White are known for their adaptability to outdoor systems.

• Size and Growth Rate: Larger breeds may require more pasture space, and some breeds may grow slower in a pasture system due to limited feed availability. Consider selecting breeds that are known for steady growth on pasture, such as the Gloucestershire Old Spot.

• Temperament: Breeds with a calm and docile nature are preferable, as they are easier to handle in outdoor environments where human interaction may be more frequent.

3. Designing the Pasture System

Creating an appropriate pasture system for pigs involves planning for adequate space, shelter, and access to fresh water and feed. Consider these design factors:

Space Requirements

• Minimum Space: Pigs need adequate space to roam, root, and forage. As a general rule, each pig should have at least 1 acre of pasture. The amount of space will vary depending on the breed, size, and age of the pigs.

• Rotation and Resting: To prevent overgrazing, pasture areas should be rotated regularly. Use a system where pigs are moved to a new section of pasture every few weeks, allowing the previous area time to recover and regrow.

Fencing

• Durability: Strong fencing is essential to keep pigs contained and protect them from predators. A sturdy electric fence or woven wire fence works well. Ensure the fence is tall enough (at least 4 feet) to prevent pigs from escaping.

• Temporary Fencing: Portable fencing can be used to rotate pigs to different pasture areas. This allows for flexibility and helps in maintaining healthy soil and pasture.

Shelter

• Protection from the Elements: While pigs are hardy, they still need shelter from extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or intense heat. Provide shaded areas or simple structures like a small barn or huts that allow pigs to shelter when needed.

• Bedding: Provide clean bedding in shelters to keep pigs dry and comfortable. Straw or wood chips are good options for bedding material.

Water Access

• Fresh Water: Pigs must have constant access to clean, fresh water. During hot weather, ensure that water containers are large enough to accommodate all pigs. Consider using automatic waterers to reduce labor.

4. Pasture Management for Pigs

Effective pasture management is crucial for maintaining soil health, ensuring pigs have sufficient forage, and preventing overgrazing. Here are key strategies:

Rotational Grazing

• Divide the Pasture: Divide your pasture into smaller sections and rotate pigs between them. This helps prevent overgrazing in any one area and promotes healthy pasture regrowth. Typically, each paddock should be grazed for 2-4 weeks before moving the pigs to the next section.

• Rest Periods: After grazing, allow the land to rest for at least 4-6 weeks before the pigs return to a section. This gives grasses and plants time to regenerate, which helps maintain a steady food supply and promotes biodiversity.

Fertilization and Soil Health

• Manure Management: Pigs will naturally deposit manure while grazing. To manage this, rotate pigs to prevent excessive manure buildup in one area. You can also use the manure as fertilizer by composting it and spreading it back on the fields.

• Pasture Cropping: Consider planting forage crops such as clover, ryegrass, or alfalfa to improve the nutritional value of the pasture. These crops provide additional nutrients and increase the sustainability of your pasture system.

5. Feeding Pigs in a Pasture System

While pigs in a pasture system will forage for much of their food, they still need supplemental feeding to meet their nutritional requirements.

Forage

• Natural Food: Pigs in a pasture system will root for food, including grasses, roots, insects, and small plants. The quality of the pasture will determine how much natural forage they can obtain.

• Seasonal Variations: In winter or during dry spells, pasture forage may be limited. Be prepared to provide supplemental feed during these times.

Supplemental Feed

• Grain and Protein: Organic or non-GMO grains can be supplemented in the diet to ensure pigs are receiving adequate calories and protein. A good quality grain mix, supplemented with protein sources like peas or soybeans, will help pigs grow at a healthy rate.

• Minerals and Vitamins: Pigs on pasture systems may not get all the necessary minerals, so supplementing their feed with a mineral mix may be required. Pay attention to calcium, phosphorus, and salt levels to maintain proper health.

6. Health and Disease Management

Raising pigs in a pasture system can be beneficial for their health, as they have access to fresh air and space to move, which reduces the likelihood of disease outbreaks. However, proper management is still needed:

Health Monitoring

• Regular Check-ups: Regularly check pigs for signs of illness, injuries, or parasites. Look for issues such as coughing, limping, or lethargy.

• Vaccination: Keep a vaccination schedule to protect against common pig diseases like swine flu, parvovirus, and leptospirosis.

Parasite Control

• Natural Parasite Management: Pasture systems often have a higher risk of parasites like worms. Rotate pigs frequently to minimize parasite loads, and consider natural dewormers such as diatomaceous earth.

• Hygiene: Keep water sources clean and ensure that pigs have enough space to prevent overcrowding, which can increase the risk of disease and parasites.

7. Breeding Pigs in a Pasture System

Breeding pigs in a pasture system is similar to raising them for meat production, but with additional considerations for mating, farrowing, and weaning.

Farrowing

• Safe Farrowing Areas: Provide a sheltered, quiet space for sows to give birth. Use farrowing huts or a specially designated area to reduce stress and ensure the safety of the piglets.

• Monitoring: Keep an eye on sows before and after they give birth to ensure they are healthy and that the piglets are nursing properly.

Weaning

• Weaning Process: Once piglets are weaned, they should be given access to both pasture and supplemental feed to ensure steady growth. Gradually transition them to a more solid diet as they grow.

8. Marketing Pasture-Raised Pork

The demand for pasture-raised, ethically produced meat is on the rise. To capitalize on this market, consider the following strategies:

Certification

• Organic or Pasture-Raised Labels: Obtaining certifications such as "Certified Organic" or "Certified Humane" can help attract consumers who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, ethically raised pork.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales

• Farmers’ Markets and Local Sales: Directly selling at farmers' markets or through local outlets allows you to build relationships with customers who value transparency in meat production.

Value-Added Products

• Consider selling value-added products such as sausages, bacon, or cured meats. These products can increase profitability and appeal to consumers looking for locally produced, high-quality pork.

Raising pigs in a pasture system offers a sustainable, ethical, and health-focused alternative to conventional pig farming. Providing pigs with ample space, natural forage, and clean living conditions, you can produce high-quality pork while benefiting from reduced feed costs and enhanced animal welfare. With careful planning, management, and attention to detail, pasture-based pig farming can be a rewarding venture both financially and environmentally.