Evaluation of different pig production systems including economic, welfare and environmental aspects

Abstract. The aim of the study is to evaluate different production systems in pig farming including economic, animal welfare and environmental aspects with computer simulation. The computer model considers a vertically integrated system with farrowing, weaning, fattening and slaughtering stage as well as the transportation of pigs between theses stages. Housing systems were distinguished in individual and group housing with partly/fully slatted flooring or straw. Housing conditions were scaled to animal welfare in a decreasing order from straw, social contact to movement. Environmental issues were measured by nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) excretion.

With standard pork production (slatted floors, individual housing of sows, small groups of fattening pigs) the cost per fattening pig accounted for € 131.72, N- and P-excretion were 7.1 and 1.2 kg per head. Group housing for gestating sows (slatted floor) and a higher number of fattening pigs per group increased welfare scoring by 25%. Cost, N- and P-excretion were reduced by 3.5, 5.1 and 5.2%. Group housing of sows during lactation, mating and gestation (with prolonged lactation length 5 weeks; welfare scoring 100%) and straw in each stage raised production cost by 24.6% (€ 32.31), N- and P-excretion were enhanced to 8.0 kg (12.7%) and 1.3 kg (10.5%) per head.