Additional resouces for your operation
Systems differ in initial cost, floor space requirements, group size and management requirements, thus it is important to select a system that works for your barn. These resources will help you in your decision making process.
The feeding system used for sows has a significant effect on the availability of sows’ key resource: food. Previously, feeding systems have been categorized as either competitive or non-competitive, depending on how feed is presented. Based on the degree of physical protection generally provided in each major system, we have made the shift to referring to competitive systems as unprotected, and non-competitive systems as protected. These systems differ in initial cost, floor space requirements, group size and management requirements. Planning is important, and in general you get what you pay for. Cutting costs during the renovation phase can result in a system that requires more labor and/or feed to operate in the long run.
Publications and Resources
Other Resources
The Swine It Podcast Show provides short, interesting audio and video interviews on topics related to swine production.
Pork Checkoff is an American program developed for international market development. Though the transition to group sow housing has not been mandated in the majority of the United States, many domestic and international markets push for humanely raised animal products.
