Alternative Swine Unit
Goal
Interest in outdoor pig operations in North Carolina has increased considerably during the last decade. Acceptance by consumers of pork produced under these conditions has helped to establish alternative production systems that are often preferred by small producers. However, management challenges exist for outdoor swine operations, including deterioration of vegetative ground cover, soil disturbance and high nutrient loads that could cause soil and water pollution. Animal welfare in these systems can also be a concern.
The goal of the Alternative Swine Unit is to provide opportunities for researchers to develop and demonstrate methods for production that optimize productivity and animal welfare while minimizing environmental impacts.
Facilities & Animals
CEFS swine hoop house
Our primarily Yorkshire swine herd is unique in that it has been antibiotic-free for more than 30 years. Since the majority of outdoor swine producers in North Carolina are raising animals without antibiotics, use of an antibiotic-free herd provides the opportunity to use animals for research and demonstration projects that directly relate to producers. Technologies such as estrus synchronization and artificial insemination are used frequently.
Projects & Activities
Through the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, an integrated research and extension approach has been adopted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, extension agents, farmers and consumers. This team supports the development of sustainable outdoor swine production systems that:
- Are flexible to permit adaptation to a wide range of soils, topography and management practices
- Maintain vegetative ground cover
- Minimize the use of water
- Provide for animal welfare and well-being
- Decrease energy requirements
- Minimize labor needs
- Minimize odor
- Minimize impact on soil, water and air
- Are economically profitable
Projects conducted and planned at the Unit include those involving outdoor or pasture production practices such as site design, selection and preparation, animal control, stocking density, crop rotation, forage use, buffers and filter strips, vegetation management and animal behavior management. Additional research involves pest control (flies, swine internal parasites) and microbiological/disease status of outdoor, antibiotic-free pigs. Research involving breed types for outdoor use has been conducted.
As with all of the CEFS Field Research Units, demonstration and training is an important component of the overall work at the Alternative Swine Unit. Field days, workshops and agricultural professional trainings complement and enhance the research component and interns and apprentices are welcome to be involved.
Significance
Outdoor-based swine production systems are perceived as more friendly to animals and the environment. However, in order to assure this, implementation of best management practices like those being studied at CEFS is needed. Farm profitability and viability will also be enhanced through the use of best management practices.
Resources
Alternative Swine Unit multimedia and document resources.
Outdoor Hog Production: Best Practices for Resource Conservation in the San Francisco Bay Area (2015)
A Comparison of Stocking Methods for Pasture-Based Growing-Finishing Pig Production Systems (2020)
Effects of Growing‐Finishing Pig Stocking Rates on Bermudagrass Ground Cover and Soil Properties (2020)
Basics of Composting Poultry Litter and Swine Bedding (2010)
Importance of Ground Cover Maintenance in Pasture Swine Operations
Environmentally-Friendly Outdoor Pig Production In North Carolina (2009)
Outdoor Hog Management Assessment Tool (2010)
Nutrient and Vegetation Management in Outdoor Hog Production Systems (2014)
Nutrient Management in Pasture-Based Swine Operations
10 Ideas for Improving Resource Management in Outdoor Hog Production (2010)
Designing Pasture Subdivisions for Practical Management of Hogs (2015)
Conservation Practices in Outdoor Hog Production Systems: Findings and Recommendations (2012)
Unit News
NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Staff Fight Hurricane Florence Floodwaters at CEFS’ Field Research, Education and Outreach Facility
Hurricane Florence is one of the worst storms to hit North Carolina, ever. CEFS' Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility at Cherry Research Farm is located in Goldsboro, one of the hardest-hit areas of the state. NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Research Station Manager Andy Meier and his crew have gone above and beyond -- as they always do in extreme situations -- to protect and care for livestock on the farm and minimize damage to crops and infrastructure.
New CEFS Report Details Conservation Practices for Outdoor Hog Production
RALEIGH (December 5, 2012): The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) has released a new report entitled Conservation Practices in Outdoor Hog Production Systems: Findings [...]
Alternative Swine Unit Dedication
CEFS swine hoop house On Tuesday, May 9, CEFS welcomed more than 200 visitors for the dedication of the new Alternative Swine Production Unit. [...]