Keeping Pigs in a Free Range System

Estonian University of Life Sciences

Keeping pigs in a free range system

Prepared: Merko Vaga

2009 Introduction

In organic farming, it is mandatory to let pigs have an outdoor area and a chance to go outside if they choose to. Also in conventional farming, keeping sows in groups with straw bedding will become a law in the near future. Therefore many farmers have started to think about going organic. Keeping pigs outside has lot of positive and also negative aspects that need to be considered before changing the production. It is obvious that in intensive production having a pasture for the pigs is almost impossible, but maybe the welfare of the animals and the consumers willingness to pay more for the naturally kept and raised pig products, can also be profitable. Many studies have been made to find out what is the best way to keep organic pigs outside, but the outcomes are often different. In this case study I will concentrate mostly on the different ways of how and where to keep pigs outdoors and some direct problems with the outdoor systems.

2 Table of contents

Introduction...... 2 Table of contents...... 3 Keeping pigs outdoors ...... 4 Outdoor walking areas ...... 5 Free range and paddocks...... 6 Contamination of the environment ...... 7 Housing and shades...... 9 Fencing...... 11 Abstract ...... 14 References...... 15

3 Keeping pigs outdoors

There are many possible ways of how to give pigs the possibility to get outside. In the five freedoms of animals the fourth freedom is “Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour“(www.fawc.org), and since in the nature pigs like to root and walk a lot, they should have an outdoor area. In organic farming it is mandatory that animals need to have a possibility to go outside all year around (www.pikk.ee). At the same time the farmer must take into consideration the natural conditions and the age of the pigs. In Estonia the weather conditions can wary a lot during the year, in summer the max temperature can be over 30 C and in the winter the temperatures can plummet below -40 C (www.tlu.ee/geo2). So when keeping pigs on the paddocks it is imperative that pigs have some shelters where they can hide from the rain and strong winds. To protect pigs from the strong sun and high temperatures they must have possibilities to take water or mud baths (picture 1), because pigs can’t sweat like most other animals. The mud layer on the skin also protects against the sunburn,Picture 1. www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute gnats, flies and other external parasites. (A.Luik, et al. 2008) In general, people farrow indoors because it greatly reduces mortality and morbidity. Farrowing outdoors can still be optimal economically though, because some consumers will pay more for pigs farrowed outdoors. Even if consumers don't pay more, it can pay to farrow outdoors because the low cost of facilities balances out the extra deaths - explaining why outdoor farrowing is still common in warm places (Wooly Pigs, 2009) There are environmental and social issues that will continue to have an impact on confinement operations. Compared with pigs raised indoors, pasture systems significantly reduce problems associated with animal-rights groups, health of operators, and environmental concerns associated with dust, odour, and waste disposal. Pasture-based systems have a "built-in" waste management system because hogs disperse their waste over the land as they graze. Finally, hogs raised outdoors often have fewer problems with

4 respiratory diseases and foot and leg problems than hogs reared in confinement. Healthier hogs mean less antibiotic use which also appeals to many consumers. (Dr. D.W. "Bud" Kennedy, 1998)

Outdoor walking areas

Pigs should have access to walking area all year around, if the weather and health allow. If there is enough free walking space for the pigs then it is not necessary to pigs out during the winter. (A. Luik, et al. 2008). The most common Picture 2. (Ragnar Leming, 2003, European organic livestock farming) walking areas are just small pens (picture 2) with concrete flooring and iron fencing where pigs can sniff the fresh air. Minimum requirements for the size of the outdoor walking areas are: • Sow with piglets(till 40 days old): 2,5m2/sow • Weaners (over 40 days old): 0,4m2/pig • Dry sow: 1,9m2/sow • Fattening pigs: o – 50 kg – 0,6 m2 o – 85 kg – 0,8 m2 o – 110 kg – 1 m2 (Eesti Mahepõllumajanduse Sihtasutus, 2009)

5 Free range and paddocks

The free range system means that pigs are kept on the paddocks all the time and the shelters are light huts (picture 3). On pastures pigs are very good at rooting and getting rid of weeds. They root up to 30 cm deep and effectively destroying weed roots. It is important that the pigs would have plenty of Picture 3. www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute area to run around and that the dinking and feeding areas are constantly moved. Otherwise these areas, because they are most visited areas, get problems with leaching and environmental contamination. (A.Luik, et al. 2008) One of the most important decisions to be made is where locate a pasture-based system. An area of land should be chosen that is well-drained and large enough to accommodate herd size. A land requirement of four to six sows per acre is a good place to start, but if pasture is to be utilized as feed, this stocking rate may need to be decreased. Other factors to consider when selecting a site may depend on how you plan to manage your hogs with other enterprises. A two-litter pasture system operates on a 6-month cycle, with sows farrowing in the spring and in the fall, when temperatures are relatively mild. This system fits well as an alternative enterprise on a crop or vegetable farm where labour needs are characterized by being intense at times (planting and harvesting) and less intense at other times. Farrowing, which require intense use of labour, can be scheduled to utilize labour available when crop labour needs are low. Hogs can also be rotated on land with crops to take advantage of the improved soil fertility from manure left on the ground. (Dr. D.W. "Bud" Kennedy, 1998) The amount of land required to operate a free range piggery will depend on climate, soil type, land topography, pasture cover and other factors such as the pigs' age at weaning and at sale. Don't forget to factor in the need for on-site vegetative buffer zones and adequate separation distances when determining lot size/choosing a site. A general guide is

6 around 500 sq m per sow from farrowing to weaning and around 50 sq m per growing pig (up to 30 kg). This excludes areas for laneways, roads, yards, etc. The layout of paddocks will vary due to size of the herd, soil type, topography, and land area available. A minimum number of paddocks should be constructed to accommodate the different management phases (gestation, farrowing, nursery, etc.). If pastures are to be utilized, the number of paddocks will vary depending on frequency of pasture rotation. Pasture rotation will help maintain the pasture Picture 4. (State of Queensland, 2003) stand, nutrient quality of the pasture, and reduce damage of pasture due to rooting. Furthermore, the layout of the system will depend a lot on personal preference. A wagon- wheel design (picture 4) may fit the area and can lower labour needs because the distance travelled when rotating hogs among paddocks is reduced. Site free range piggeries on relatively flat land with a grading that will minimise water logging and with soils that encourage strong vegetative growth. Avoid land that is contaminated with poisonous plants and parasites that may affect pig health, and avoid soil types that are prone to erosion as this can be a problem in free range pig farms.. Without the protection of vegetative ground cover, exposed soil is prone to erosion, particularly in wetter climates and on steeper slopes. (State of Queensland, 2003)

Contamination of the environment

Surface water, such as dams and streams, may be at risk of contamination by runoff from free range pig farms, or from the movement of pigs themselves. Finer soil particles that wash into ditches and/or watercourses along with dung and urine will add nitrogen, phosphorus and possibly pesticides to the water, causing environmental damage. Picture 5, www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute

You can minimise or prevent these impacts by bearing in mind the rainfall and flood records for the area and creating a landform and drainage system to protect watercourses: 1. Site paddocks across slopes and site tracks and gateways so they do not channel water into watercourses or beyond the site's boundaries. 2. Use vegetative buffers between free range areas and surface water bodies or their catchments. 3. Install holding structures (e.g. holding ponds, bounded capture barriers, diversion banks) to divert or contain surface water runoff where creeks or watercourses may be at risk of contamination. 4. Install physical barriers to prevent pigs from making contact with water bodies and riparian zones.

In environmentally sensitive areas, you may need to demonstrate that a drainage system will be installed in order for your application to be assessed in your favour during the development application process. Ground water resources may be contaminated by deep percolation of nutrients and pathogens. This is likely to occur in wallows, where bulk manure is not distributed evenly over paddocks or where the nature of the soil profiles allows fast movement of nutrients deposited on the surface. To prevent ground water contamination: 1. Do not allow wallows to be formed (picture 5)(fence off areas where wallows are starting to occur). 2. Contain manure stockpiles (if any) in controlled areas with impermeable barriers to protect the soil.

Land with sandy/loamy soils, land located very close to waterways or land containing shallow ground water may be unsuitable for the establishment of free range piggeries. Stored water bodies with high concentrations of nutrients/contaminants (e.g. runoff holding ponds) may require managed irrigation over suitable land areas where the nutrients can be sustainably utilised. (State of Queensland, 2003)

8 Housing and shades

At all times, free range pigs must have access to dry, clean, shady shelter (e.g. huts) (picture 6) to protect them from rain, wind, heat and cold. The space allowances of shelters must comply with the Model code of practice for the welfare of animals: pigs. Providing extra space and, in particular, more than one shelter for a group of pigs will assist to minimise bullying. In cooler climates, extra bedding will help pigs

Picture 6 www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute handle the cooler conditions, while in warmer climates, well-ventilated shade is essential, particularly for pregnant sows. Metal roofs can be painted white to reflect heat and low volume sprinkler systems may help cool pigs. Also consider the location of shelter belts of trees to protect pigs from cool winds in winter and the sun in summer. (State of Queensland, 2003) Keeping pigs in temporary pens is far from ideal. It is hard on the pigs and on the person looking after them. The extra work involved is considerable, but a bit of forethought can save a lot of wasted time effort and money. (Meat & Livestock, 2001) For sows with piglets it would be good if there is a hut for each sow. In this way the sow can be alone with her own litter and this will keep the piglets to “steal” milk from other sows and keeps the fighting lower. The huts can be made by various materials and shapes, as long has they are well ventilated, easily movable and there’s plenty of room to prevent the sow for squashing the piglets. Experience has shown that the area for lactating sow should not be less then 4 m2. (A.Luik, et al. 2008)

9 If you set up pens outside in big bale pens (picture 7) or hurdles there are a number of things to consider: 1) Pick a well drained site 2) Use a gentle slope if possible and set up pens near to the bottom so that the pens can be moved to

higher ground each time you move Picture 7, one unit pen in climate tent (Andersen,et al. 2001) the pen. 3) Set up the water at the bottom of the pen and away from the sleeping area. 4) Set the pens up so the feeders can be filled easily from the outside. 5) Think about which way the prevailing wind comes from or any local weather phenomena. 6) Don't set up pens using indoor space requirements. Give them as much space as you can in the dunging areas. 7) Make sure there is a draught free sleeping area that is large enough to accommodate all the pigs and protect them from the worst of the elements. Allow for growth. 8) Try to keep pigs in original groups where mixing has to take place make sure the pigs are as even a size as possible. Try to segregate Boars and gilts even at this stage. 9) Birds can be a huge problem when keeping pigs outside. Try to make feed hoppers as possible without denying access to the pigs. 10) When creating pens outside try to always have a spare empty one for emergencies. 11) Time spent thinking about the layout and access before you start building pens is never wasted. Once you have started it is difficult to change things. (Meat & Livestock, 2001) A stock handling facility (i.e. with a concrete floor and a crush) may be required for vaccinations, veterinary treatments, weighing, etc, as well as spare paddocks for sick pigs. Boar service paddocks may also be required. (State of Queensland, 2003)

10 It’s easy to use igloos for pigs on pastures, but these present problems in the winter time. Unless the igloo is inside a barn or a building that acts as a first windbreaker, the igloo is not suitable in colder regions. If kept outside the pig drags wet snowy stuff inside the igloo with him every time he enters leading to damp or even wet bedding. The last thing these guys need in the cold is a wet bed to go to. This holds true of any shelter that may be outdoors so it is up to the piggy parent to watch and make sure that bedding is always dry and that there is plenty of it. An igloo also makes condensation (liquid will run down the sides inside the igloo) and pigs have been known to freeze to the side of the igloo Picture 8, http://4.bp.blogspot.com during particularly bad times. A frozen pig is not something any pet person ever wants to see. (Phyllis Battoe, 2001)

Fencing

Fencing for pigs is an important consideration. You may use a permanent, ‘hog- tight’ woven wire fence with a board around the bottom to discourage digging, or you may use temporary moveable electric fencing systems if you train the pigs to it. A moveable fencing system allows you to use the pigs to clear and work a piece of land. (Gail McWilliam, 2004) The fences of pig paddocks are typically electric (picture 9), however, mesh, barbed or plain wire fences, or a

Picture 9. www.weathertoplife.com 11 combination of electric and wire fences are also suitable for confining pigs. Fences need to be adequate so that pigs cannot jump over, dig under or crawl between the wires. Some free range piggeries use temporary fencing and shift these to fresh land instead of rotating the paddocks. Whatever the type of fencing you use, train the pigs when they are young or when first purchased to respect the fences that border their paddock (e.g. by using an electric fence in front of a 'solid' fence in a small training paddock). (State of Queensland, 2003) Power or electric fencing is a low-cost alternative to conventional fencing. The low cost and ease of installation has contributed greatly to the increased popularity of producing hogs outdoors. The heart of the power fence system is the energizer, or charger. Energizers are powered either by 110 volt alternating current or a heavy-duty battery that is recharged by a either a battery charger or solar panel. High-tensile, 12.5 gauge steel wire is widely used because of its affordability and durability. However, it is more difficult to install than 16 gauge metal wire. Its installation is made easier if a reel is used. However, along with steel posts and heavy-duty insulators, high-tensile fence may last up to 30 years! A two- strand fence will suffice for most situations. However, more strands or netting may be needed for young pigs. (Dr. D.W. "Bud" Kennedy, 1998) A quality permanent fence (picture 10) is recommended at the outer boundary to stop pigs escaping the property altogether and to prevent stray and feral animals (e.g. feral pigs, dingoes and dogs) entering. Feral pigs may introduce diseases to your free range pig herd and the wild boars may mate

Picture 10. www.stopgapfencing.co.uk with your free range sows, leading to lower productivity. Dingoes, feral dogs and wandering domestic dogs, which are often attracted to free range piggeries by the squealing of pigs and the scent of carcasses, may attack and harass free range pigs, thereby increasing pig stress and pig

12 losses. The erection of a permanent, pig/dingo/dog proof fence, effective disposal of carcasses and, if necessary, eradication programs, should minimise these problems. (State of Queensland, 2003) Whatever housing and fence system you use, make sure it is pig tight. Pigs are very intelligent animals, if there is a weak point in the pen, they will find it and they will get out. Catching pigs is not an easy task, especially right before you leave for work in the morning! (Gail McWilliam, 2004)

13 Abstract

When a farmer has a plan to keep pigs outside, there are number of aspects to take into account. Since pigs need some kind of protection against the cold and wind or hot sun, it is imperative to have housings or shade. Therefore the most important thing to consider is the region and climate where the pigs will be raised. The intensiveness of production is next to considered. In an intensive production in a colder region it is easier to consider stationary housing with outside walking areas. In extensive and/or organic production it is better to use pasture passed system with movable huts. In colder climate the material of the huts is important because in temperatures below 0C, touching the metal can cause pigs serious frostbites. Otherwise pigs are not afraid of the cold temperatures. To get big and strong litters it would still be better to keep sows inside when farrowing. Using the pasture or walking area demands a fence. The walking area should have strong permanent or movable fencing. On the pastures it’s cheaper to use electric fence, but it might be good to use permanent fencing around the paddocks and light movable fences to separate the paddocks. And all the time it’s necessary to remember that pigs are smart animals and also curious so they will find a way out if they want to. To prevent this and keep pigs busy inside changing pastures once in a while is important.

14 References

• Anne Luik, Merit Mikk, Airi Vetemaa, 2008, Mahepõllumajanduse alused, EV Põllumajandusministeerium • Dr. D.W. "Bud" Kennedy, 1998, What is Pasture Based Swine Management? • Eesti Mahepõllumajanduse Sihtasutus, 2009, Mahepõllumajanduse nõuete selgitus tootjale 2009, Põllumajandusministeerium • Gail McWilliam, 2004, Raising Pigs at Home, UNH Cooperative Extension • http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etXgxKgiH_U/R1i1p-M-iTI/AAAAAAAAAK4/2e0fgCQ- XAU/s320/sows%2Beating%2Bbread.JPG • http://www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute/farmpics/Farrowing%20huts%20sows% 20&%20piglets.jpg • http://www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute/outdoor/outdoor%20pigs%20Germany% 2022.jpg • http://www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute/research/MANAGING%20HEAT%20S TRESS%20IN%20OUTDOOR%20PIGS_files/image012.jpg • http://www.depts.ttu.edu/porkindustryinstitute/research/MANAGING%20HEAT%20S TRESS%20IN%20OUTDOOR%20PIGS_files/image008.jpg • http://www.fawc.org.uk/freedoms.htm • http://www.pikk.ee/maamajandus/mahepollumajandus/ulevaade • http://www.stopgapfencing.co.uk/images/post_rail_stockfence.jpg • http://www.tlu.ee/geo2/ained/mlg6901k/6_Eesti%20kliima.pdf • http://www.weathertoplife.com/web_images/3pigs.jpg • Meat & Livestock, 2001, Checklist for producers having to keep pigs on Farm • Phyllis Battoe, 2001, Winter And The Outdoor Pig • Ragnar Leming, 2003, European organic livestock farming • State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 2003, Free range pig production, http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/environment/17670.html • Wooly Pigs, 2009, Outdoor Farrowing