VI Piglets. Low mortality through birth of vital piglets

2014

Piglet mortality in Danish organic pig production is very high with one of three organic piglets dying before weaning.

This is a major barrier for obtaining a predicted high growth potential for organic pig production. The high mortality rate seems to be related to litter size, beyond the size that can be fostered by the sow and birth of weak pigs. The current breed combination may be less suited for organic production, where sows farrow in in-accessible hutches, having long lactations and with limited possibilities for managing surplus piglets. The project facilitate a reduction in neonatal organic piglet mortality from 33 to 20 % of total born piglets, one extra weaned pig per litter and a one extra kg in average weaning weight. Implementation of these results will increase societal trust in organic pig production due to improved animal welfare.

Udfører/hovedansøger Aarhus Universitet
Øvrige samarbejdspartnere Center for Frilandsdyr K/S
Videncentret for Landbrug
HESTBJERG ØKOLOGI ApS
GÅRDEJER FLEMMING MADSEN
NICOLAJ PEDERSEN
POUL PEDERSEN
GRÅSTENSMINDE ØKOLOGI A/S
Risbjerg Landbrug v/Hans Erik Jørgensen
Projektets samlede budget DKK 12.516.921,00
Bevillingsstørrelse tildelt DKK 10.105.076,00