Dutch pig farm prototypes to push sustainability

Scientists at the Wageningen University's Animal Sciences Group (ASG) said pig production can still make some steps towards sustainability.

The research developed three designs for more sustainability in pig production: in translation called the Pagode, the Pillar and the Pearl. These are no blueprints, but drafts that need to be worked on further. Its goal is to take pigs' into account, just like environment, pig producers and consumers.

In the case of Pagode, animal health and animal's well-being are keys. The design focuses on a family farm having 150-200 sows including finishers, located in a characteristic landscape.

The Pillar is a larger operation, having 750 sows and subsequent finishers, located in an area designated for agricultural development. In this design, the focus is on minimising odours, by using precision management around feeding, energy and manure excretion.

The Pearl design would be good to for agriculture in the neighbourhood of cities. Approximate size is 500 sows, with finishers. The farm does not only yield meat, but also electricity and heat for the city.

The Dutch ministry of agriculture is also pushing for the development of more sustainable farms. It is now the feed-to-food chain that has to pick up this challenge, the ministry said.