DA6TKIY7

2686

24 décembre 2020 17:37

24 décembre 2020 17:37

Carl Sheard is an organic pig farmer (45 sows) in the Pays de La Loire region of France who is experimenting a system of outdoor fattening using diverse combinations of forage crops. Trials began this autumn 2019 which consist of providing a diverse range of mixed forage crops throughout the year with the aim of reducing the level of concentrates. Phase one of the trial consisted of: • laying out, organizing appropriate fences and grazing stands, • familiarizing the pigs to the forage parcel, • observing their responses and behavior, and • adapting a management protocol around these observations. As can be seen in the video, the first group of pigs rapidly entered and began consuming the forage crop in place which was a « three sisters’ mix » of maize, haricot Rongai and courgettes. The pigs proved extremely independent in establishing their own grazing routine without much prompting, finding their way to and from the buildings to the forage field. The second phase of the trials, in spring 2020, will be centered around growth rates with regular weighing, analysis of forage, and the meat quality. A continued exploration of optimal plant /forage associations will be on going. The video shows the experience of an organic pig farmer located in Pays de La Loire region in the west of France implementing grazing in parcels. Integrating a diverse range of mixed protein-rich forages into the feeding plan can reduce the amount of concentrates needed. The farmer, who rears 45 sows, reduced the amount concentrate fed by a third to encourage foraging. His experience with the “three sisters” crops, maize, beans and squash, shows a well-consumed vegetation and a preserved soil. This tool is aimed at the target group of new and experienced farmers who hope to increase the use of local feedstuff and move towards closing their nutrient cycles. Organic and conventional farmers could benefit from this tool. This tool is relevant to pig farmers around the world, although the specific of its application are more adapted to central Europe.

Carl Sheard is an organic pig farmer (45 sows) in the Pays de La Loire region of France who is experimenting a system of outdoor fattening using various combinations of drilling crops. Trials began this autumn 2019 which consist of providing a diverse range of mixed drilling crops throughout the year with the aim of reducing the level of concentrates. Phase one of the trial consisted of: • laying out, organizing appropriate fences and grazing stands, • familiarizing the pigs to the drilling parcel, • observing their responses and behavior, and • adapting a management protocol around these observations. As can be seen in the video, the first group of pigs rapidly entered and began consuming the drilling crop in place which was a "three sisters’ mix "of maize, Rongai bean and courgettes. The pigs proved extremely independent in establishing their own grazing routine without much prompting, finding their way to and from the buildings to the drilling field. The second phase of the trials, in spring 2020, will be centered around growth rates with regular weighing, analysis of drilling, and the meat quality. A continued exploration of optimal plant / drilling associations will be on going. The video shows the experience of an organic pig farmer located in Pays de La Loire region in the west of France implementing grazing in parcels. Integrating a diverse range of mixed protein-rich forages into the feeding plan can reduce the amount of concentrates needed. The farmer, who rears 45 sows, reduced the amount concentrate fed by a third to encourage foraging. His experience with the “three sisters” crops, maize, beans and squash, shows a well-consumed vegetation and a preserved soil. This tool is aimed at the target group of new and experienced farmers who hope to increase the use of local feedstuff and move towards closing their nutrient cycles. Organic and conventional farmers could benefit from this tool. This tool is relevant to pig farmers around the world, although the specific of its application are more adapted to central Europe.

None

• AB - Spécifique
• FREDO alimentation animale
• GEO Europe

2020

1 janvier 2020