| When the State Legislature of Minnesota decided to fund a program that focused on alternative systems of production, they also allocated money for the construction of facilities at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) at Morris so that research could be conducted on alternative systems. As of June 2000, some of those structures are nearing completion and others are about to begin construction.
The members of the Swine Task Force, that is the group of producers, UM scientists & extension agents, and others who organize and direct the development of the Alternative Swine Production Systems program, together decided that a total of four hoop structures should be built, two for research on finish hogs, one for gestating sows, and a fourth building for bedding storage. Jim VanDerPol, a producer from the Kerkhoven area, and Lee Johnston, a Swine Scientist at the WCROC, have worked together to direct the construction process. As of this writing, all of the hoops are up, and there are hogs in the two hoops for finishing. The other hoop designated for sow gestation will be completed and filled with 60-75 sows later in the summer.
There is an older confinement farrowing unit that will be part of the next phase of the construction program. It will be remodeled into what is known as a Swedish deep-bedded farrowing unit and nursery. This method of husbandry is generally expressed through two different ways: 1 ) One version allows the sows to farrow in boxes and still interact as a group. The boxes are then removed in 7-10 days, allowing pigs and sows to co-mingle. 2) The other method farrows the sows in individual pens, and then moves pigs and sows to a group nursery setting at 14-21 days. The remodeling process will begin early this fall.
At the April 2000 meeting of the Swine Task Force, ideas for potential research projects based on the use of alternative production systems were discussed. The group established a list of five priority areas that will be investigated as the buildings are completed at the WCROC. They are:
- Improve feed efficiency in alternative systems. Some research has shown that while hogs in alternative systems tend to process feed more efficiently than do hogs in confinement during the summer months, feed efficiency is lower in alternative systems during the winter. What can be changed to improve efficiency?
- Pig behavior & handling. A feature of hoops and other alternative systems is that hogs are often bunched into large groups of 180 or more pigs. How does this affect pig behavior? Is there more or less aggressivity? Are hogs healthier overall? What are the best methods for sorting and moving groups of pigs?
- Carcass quality. Some studies have shown that hogs in alternative systems tend to accumulate more fat on the carcass exterior. How can this deposit be diminished? Are consumers now willing to pay for pork that carries more fat, but also has more flavor?
- Alternative feeds. Are there grains or forages that can be substituted at different stages for a corn/soy diet? Will these substitutes be both economical and friendly to the environment?
- Bedding types & dust control. What is the best type of bedding for hoop structures and other alternative systems? Most absorbent? What is the most economical? Environmentally friendly? How do we best control dust? How much of a problem is it? As you can see, a lot of progress has been made, and a lot of work yet remains to get the Alternative Swine Production Systems Program well established. Investigating the questions will also take time, but will ultimately provide solid answers to producers who consider adopting these systems.
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