EXAM 1: Alternative Production

Question 1

What is one of the oldest ways of raising pigs

Answer 1

Pasture farrowing/finishing operations

Question 2

pasture production systems, also known as outdoor or grazing systems, appeal to farmers who want to ___________

Answer 2

expand operation without making large capital investments

Question 3

pasture operations usually have lower ____________ and poorer ____________ that confinement operations, they offer easier _________ management, less odor, and better air quality

Answer 3

weaning rate
feed efficiency
manure

Question 4

In order to be successful in pasture operation, what two things are necessary

Answer 4

1. pasture rotation
2. intensive management

Question 5

Is pasture farrowing/finishing operations used for all stages of production?

Answer 5

YES

• most ideal for gestating sows
  -finishing pigs for niche market (whole foods)

Question 6

pros of pasture farrowing/finishing operations

Answer 6

low-cost facility (if you already have the land)
-watering systems
- shelter/shade
-fencing
-feeder

Question 7

Pasture farrowing systems need what three main things?

Answer 7

1. portable feeders (spread out over several acres, animals distribute manure naturally—-> A-frame/calf hutches)
2. watering systems
3. fencing

Question 8

when selecting a hut, farmers should consider the structure’s ability to

Answer 8

moderate temperature extremes

keep pigs dry/out of drafts

minimize pig crushing by sow

Question 9

what kind of bedding might be used in pasture operations

Answer 9

low-quality grass hay
whole or ground corn cobs
baled cornstalks
straw
shredded newspaper

Question 10

cons of pasture operations

Answer 10

portable housing required

lowest weaning rates (nurse for longer ~60d)

fewest pigs weaned/sow/yr (trampled, laid on, easily chilled, predators)

Question 11

In pasture farrowing, each acre typically has _________ sows and litters

Answer 11

7-15

Question 12

one litter system

Answer 12

also called all-gilt

gilts farrow ones, usually during summer and then sold

gilt pigs from the one litter system are then raised and bred to farrow one year later

Question 13

two litter system

Answer 13

sows farrow in spring and fall

produce two litters per year avoiding the extreme summer/winter weather

Question 14

average weaning age of pasture farrowing systems

Answer 14

60d

Question 15

in pasture systems, feed accounts for ___ to ___% of the total cost of producing hogs

Answer 15

60-70

Question 16

outdoor raised hogs typically have poorer/lower ___________ and __________ when compared to confinement-raised pigs

Answer 16

feed efficiency
average daily gains

Question 17

potential causes of slower growth in pasture raising include

Answer 17

feeding animals in large groups

greater internal parasite infestation of pigs

crowding

higher consumption of feed in winter

higher feed wastage from wind/spoilage/consumption from pest

Question 18

digestability of fiber improves as pig _______

Answer 18

matures

Question 19

Potential causes of slower growth in pasture raising include

Answer 19

feeding animals in large groups/crowding

greater internal parasite infestation of pigs

higher consumption of feed in winter

higher feed wastage from wind/spoilage/consumption from pest

Question 20

gestating sows should be fed approximately __ to____ pound of complete feed while on pasture

Answer 20

2-3

Question 21

Finishing pigs should have free access to _________________ at the same time they are grazing pasture

Answer 21

complete feed

Question 22

what is one of the biggest advantages pasture systems have over confinement housing

Answer 22

healthy environment it offers to both the pigs and producers

Question 23

pasture vs. confinment health

Answer 23

respiratory disease minimized (=better lungs)

lower health expenses

less foot/leg problems

More foot lesions (better feet and legs but since outside= abscess that can go unnoticed)

Rigorous parasite control is required

careful observation of pigs (social/fighting)

Question 24

environmental considerations regarding pasture operations

Answer 24

evenly distributed manure

waste products are broken down by hoof, weather, soil organisms (less odor, flies)

important to maintain vegetative cover to prevent erosion

Question 25

where did deep bedded systems start

Answer 25

denmark

Question 26

deep bedded systems

Answer 26

Low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to confinement structures where bedding is used Barns can be modified confinement buildings, huts, or hoop barns

Question 27

deep bedded system are most commonly used with

Answer 27

gestating pigs (need feeding stalls) finishing pigs

Question 28

Deep bedded systems are the most popular alternative to confinment barns because

Answer 28

cost less require less maintenance than traditional confinement quick/relatively easy to build can be used for other things when hog prices are down

Question 29

how deep does bedding need to be in deep-bedded systems

Answer 29

14-16 inches deep (for around 200-300 pigs)

Question 30

examples of summer bedding

Answer 30

soybean fodder, corn stalk, shredded paper, rice hulls

Question 31

examples of winter bedding

Answer 31

low quality straw low quality hay

Question 32

are gestating sows fed similarly to gestating sows in confinement

Answer 32

YES ***those in deep-bedded slightly increases in winter

Question 33

pigs finished in hoop structures are generally fed a _______ diet, ad lib similar to pigs finished in confinement

Answer 33

grain

Question 34

deep bedded finishing vs. confinement (size and meat)

Answer 34

greater weight variation because of competition smaller loin eye area more backfat, less muscle require more feed/pound gain (during winter because barn is colder)

Question 35

what are some things that keep deep-bedded building warm in winter

Answer 35

pigs own heat compositing bedding deep straw **pigs will bury themselves

Question 36

Deep-bedded gestating vs. confinement health

Answer 36

fewer feet/leg problems decreased culling and mortality equal repro performance lower feed cost

Question 37

deep-bedded finishing vs confinement health

Answer 37

lower plasma cortisol faster growth in summer lower mortality in summer higher mortality in winter fighting less tail biting/naval sucking

Question 38

environmental consideration/impact of deep-bedded systems

Answer 38

manure and urine mix with large amounts of carbonaceous material and composted year around Run-off/environmental hazards can be reduced nitrogen leaching from manure packs Odor is minimized good ventilation

Question 39

in deep bedded housing, what is the most commonly used barn type

Answer 39

hoop barns