Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The majority of Swedish pigs are found within the conventional, indoor system. This system is becoming less and less socially acceptable. Alternative systems usually offer more time outdoors and on bare ground which facilitates the possibility for pigs to perform natural behaviours. The Swedish outdoor pig production consists of farming for commercial meat consumption but there are also those who keep pigs for other purposes like preservation and as pets. The aim of this study is to gain an overview of the Swedish outdoor pig production and to investigate relevant aspects that might affect this type of production system. An online survey was conducted where anyone who kept at least one pig outside on bare ground, year-round or part of the year, could participate. The results indicated that the purpose of keeping pigs mainly was to sell live animals, meat and for private meat consumption. The main challenges related to outdoor pig production were access to water during winter, fencing, poorly adapted regulations and a lack of knowledge by both society as well as agents within the industry of outdoor pig production. It can be concluded that there are differences in how and why pigs are kept outdoors in Sweden and that this variety leads to complex challenges.