Forage consumption and its effects on performance of growing swine – discussed in relation to European wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) in semi-extensive systems: A review

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Rivero, M. J., Rodriguez-Estevez, V., Pietrosemoli, S., Carballo, C., Cooke, A. S. and Kongsted, A. G. 2019. Forage consumption and its effects on performance of growing swine – discussed in relation to European wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) in semi-extensive systems: A review. Animals. 9 (7), p. 457. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9070457

AuthorsRivero, M. J., Rodriguez-Estevez, V., Pietrosemoli, S., Carballo, C., Cooke, A. S. and Kongsted, A. G.
Abstract

Due to its distinct properties, wild boar meat is considered a highly-desirable consumer product, in a market which is expanding. Outdoor production is also favored by consumers who value animal welfare and environmental sustainability when choosing meat products. There is evidence that farms which include pasture for grazing typically have reduced feeding costs. Such production systems can also be more environmentally sustainable as the input (pasture) is inedible to humans, compared to conventional indoor systems which use human-edible feeds (e.g. soya). However, some wild boar farms have performed poorly compared to those rearing other swine such as hybrid wild boar and domestic pigs. Diet is central to all livestock production and is likely a significant influencing factor of wild boar performance, both in terms of forage consumption and nutritional composition. Other factors may also influence performance, such as weather, behaviour and grazing management. Wild boar production systems hold their own intrinsic value in a growing marketplace. However, information gathered through the study of wild boar has external applications in informing outdoor domestic pig production systems to encourage the use of pasture as part of the habitat of domestic pigs.

KeywordsForage intake; Grazing pigs; Outdoor pig production; Free-range pigs; Grazing behaviour; Sustainability
Year of Publication2019
JournalAnimals
Journal citation9 (7), p. 457
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9070457
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Natural Environment Research Council
Funder project or codeASSIST - Achieving Sustainable Agricultural Systems
S2N - Soil to Nutrition - Work package 2 (WP2) - Adaptive management systems for improved efficiency and nutritional quality
Publisher's version
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online18 Jul 2019
Publication process dates
Accepted16 Jul 2019
Copyright licenseCC BY
PublisherMDPI
ISSN2076-2615

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