Pigs
Animal welfare is key in organic pig production and must the animals have the opportunity to exercise natural behaviour. Therefore, it is important to address breeding methods as well as paddock, hut and stable conditions in order to meet developmental, physiological and behavioural needs of the pig. In this context, it is also important to address the feed strategies and use of antibiotics in pig production. CORE Organic has funded several projects, which aim to improve animal welfare and/or improve climate and environmental sustainability in pig production. Find more information about the funded projects below.
POWER - Power to strengthen welfare and resilience in organic pig production
POWER examined how to enhance animal welfare and health in organic pig production by improving housing and management of pigs while increasing ecologic and economic competitiveness.
ICOPP - Developing sustainable 100% organic feed strategies for pigs and poultry
CICOPP investigated possibilities for economically viable and local feeding strategies, for pigs and poultry, which fulfil the required levels of nutrients for different phases of production.
SafeOrganic - Will consumers benefit from restricted antibiotic usage in organic pigs?
SafeOrganic has studied whether organic pigs in different European countries show lower levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared to conventional pigs
ROAM-FREE - Robust animals in sustainable mixed free-range systems
ROAM-FREE investigated the potential to create mixed free-range production systems, that combine organic pig production with other livestock, cash crops or trees.
ProPig - Strategies to reduce environmental impact by improving health and welfare of organic pigs
ProPig aimed to reduce environmental impact of pig production and improving health and welfare, by comparing different housing systems by calculations of nutrient balances and LCA.
COREPIG - Prevention of selected diseases and parasites in organic pig herds
COREPIG promoted animal health and welfare in organic pig herds and focused on the relationship between management and parasite/disease occurrence.