Pig Production Guide

Breeding Outdoors

On outdoor breeding farms sows live in paddocks one for dry sows for those without litters, one for those about to give birth, or with litters they are suckling. Because the pigs live outdoors outdoor pig farming is only possible on light free draining soils.

Sows will remain in a stable group to minimise aggression. A group will be moved into dry sow paddocks once their piglets have been weaned. This accommodation typically comprises a large arch made of metal and wood with straw bedding. Sows and boars (males) will sleep in groups in these huts.

Just before the sow is due to farrow (give birth) she is moved to a farrowing paddock with individual huts. These may be separated by electric fences to stop sows trying to share a single hut and they will have a small metal bar running along the inside back walls to provide a safe area.

Once the piglets are born a ‘fender’ is placed outside the entrance of the hut. This provides a barrier to stop young piglets becoming separated from the sow while allowing the sow to walk freely around the paddock. Outdoor paddocks are usually moved on to new ground every two years and farrowing huts are moved after every litter. This is to stop the build up of parasites in the soil that are harmful to pigs.

Pigs naturally root at the ground. Outdoor sows may have a metal ring attached to their nose to reduce the amount of rooting that they do to prevent severe damage to the soil structure. Outdoor breeding presents two unique challenges compared with conventional indoor breeding – weather and predation.

Pigs, are only able to regulate their body temperature through panting. They also have very sensitive skin. In warm weather they need either wallows or sun shades so they can keep cool and also protect their skin. Often reproductive performance can drop during hot weather.

During cold and wet weather additional bedding is given to try to keep them dry and warm. The death rate among piglets can increase in such conditions.

Piglets are also vulnerable to attack by foxes and even large birds. Mortality can often be higher as a result and the increased incidence of piglets being accidentally crushed by the sow in the farrowing hut as she settles and moves. Pigs are born with teeth. Within its first seven days a piglet may have its milk teeth either clipped or ground. This is done to protect the sow’s teats and udder and to reduce the opportunity for piglets to injure each other.

Piglets may also have part of their tail docked during this period for animal welfare reasons - to prevent tail biting by other piglets. Only the end of the tail that contains no nerves is allowed to be removed using special clippers. If tail biting does occur it can result in infection leading to abscesses.

In the UK, the castration of piglets is prohibited under assurance scheme regulations which cover more than 90 per cent of production. But it is carried out throughout much of the rest of Europe. There are obvious welfare benefits in not castrating pigs. ‘Entire’ pigs are also more efficient in converting feed to meat.

Sows are fed at least once a day. During the period of farrowing and suckling the energy content of the diet is increased. The sow’s diet is also increased (quantity or content or both) just before mating (flushing). This is to make sure the sow is in good condition at the time of mating which will in turn improve the chances of conception.

Since 1986 Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) has been prohibited from all pig diets.